Like an Anchor Store for Downtown

Just came across this story about plans for a downtown theater re-opening in Carbondale, Illinois (from the November 14 issue of The Daily Egyptian newspaper):

I was especially struck by the Councilman's remark (quoted above) that "the theatre would be like an anchor store for downtown Carbondale."

Reading this reminded me of what I heard during my cross-country trip this Summer: that theaters and arts centers are vital components of strong downtowns and main streets.

See my post "Hulda's Theatre" on the remarkable theatre restoration completed in the small Indiana city of North Vernon, and  "Behind the Curtains," about the ambitious rennovation still underway in Emporia, Kansas.

Theater restoration projects don't just bring economic benefits to downtown -- in small towns and cities they can help build community through the cooperative efforts needed to accomplish the project. Restoring old theaters (which have often sat vacant) typically requires a major committment from dozens of local residents volunteering their time -- and from local businesses contributing equipment and services. In Emporia, for example, area businesses donated much of the heating, air conditioning, and plumbing-related equipment and services.

Note: if you've been involved in a theater restoration project in your community, let us know about it. Either email us, or post a comment below.

I'm excerpting from a portion of Carbondale Mayor Cole's remarks about the theater in the continuation of this post. At the bottom of the continuation of this post, you can also download a complimentary copy of an article I authored, "Preservation Takes Center Stage," from a special back issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal

Here's an excerpt from the Mayor's State of the City Address:

"Just about once a month, I am asked about the Varsity Theater. The question is usually phrased the same: "what’s happening with the Varsity?" My answer is usually the same: 'nothing.'

You will recall that in June 2003, shortly after I took office, the theater closed its doors and there was much discussion about what could then go into that building to preserve its place in Carbondale, particularly its place in Carbondale's downtown history. Unfortunately, there has been little other than hope surrounding that property.  ...

At the same time, we have had groups and organizations, like The Stage Company and Carbondale Community Arts, looking for new homes and beginning the long, difficult task of raising funds to build something new, on sites unknown and without the certainty of success. Well, today I think that changes. ... I am proud to announce today that the Varsity Theater will soon be donated to the community and will be available to become the permanent home of The Stage Company and hopefully some other not-for-profit organizations, such as Carbondale Community Arts. 

That property will then become the Varsity Arts Center, a community-oriented, visual and performing arts center that will combine the nostalgia and romanticism of the past with the modern conveniences of the present. Now, there is still much work that needs to be done, to renovate the property and to build proper offices, community rooms and staging areas, but this is a dream come true for many. ..."

Note from PCJ Editor Wayne Senville: Several years ago, I wrote a short article about the benefits of theater restoration projects, "Preservation Takes Center Stage." You can download a complimentary pdf of this 4 page article (approx 2.2 MB). It's also part of a special 20 page issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal on the basics of historic preservation planning.

Comments

[Louise Stevens]

The arts ARE the anchor stores of today and the future, and often 80% of the economic benefit is off site. Carbondale is so right. Taking the lead in situations like this often requires both capital and operating cash infusions, but the return on investment can be well documented and positive. It isn't a cheap and easy solution, but it is a highly viable "anchor."