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