Ohio Theatre in downtown Madison. Staff file photo
The Friends of the Ohio Theatre nonprofit is one step closer to renovating the historic building after receiving a grant from Indiana Landmarks.
A $2,500 Indiana Landmarks Efroymson Family Endangered Places Grant was awarded to the group to help fund a feasibility study that board members say will give them a strategic plan for renovating the theater.
Consultants will assess the condition of the building and plan for the future. The study will include interviews from community members, an architectural condition assessment, developing design and phasing drawings and coordinating the estimating process and overseeing historical research.
According to a release from the group, experts also will analyze the existing layout and function of the theater while planning for new performance systems, seating, programming and upgrades to visuals and acoustics.
Electrical, plumbing, fire and structural systems also will be assessed.
“When the feasibility study is completed, we will have a comprehensive plan for success that gives us goals and strategies to move forward with obtaining additional funding and beginning the restoration process,” Ohio Theatre board president Elizabeth Auxier said in the release.
The Landmarks grant required matching dollars, which were provided by an earlier $40,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County, of which $30,000 was specifically designated for the feasibility study.
According to the release, The Friends of the Ohio Theatre board is in the final stages of selecting consultants to complete the study. Members hope to begin the project in July.
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