Quality Masonry Company works to remove sections of the marquee blade in 2013. Photo by Marion Palace Theatre.
After a year and a half of planning and fundraising, the Palace Cultural Arts Association Executive Director Bev Ford and PCAA Board of Directors have announced that the Marion Palace Theatre will begin the first phase of renovations to the front of the historic building in downtown Marion.
In the fall of 2013, the Marion Palace Theatre’s decorative façade wall and the upright 50-foot PALACE sign were removed from the front of the building. This was done for public safety, as the structural integrity of the steel and exterior walls had deteriorated over time.
In order to reconstruct the grand entrance for which the Marion Palace Theatre is so well known, the PCAA Board, along with Quality Masonry Company, has prepared a carefully planned $1.8 million renovation, which will restore safety, preserve the historic look and retain the integrity of the original 1928 design. The project includes reconstruction of the grand entrance including environmentally friendly update of 900 lighting components, restoration of historic brick and terra cotta façade, replacement of the structural steel and the horizontal canopy marquee and repair and restoration of the 50-foot PALACE blade sign.
The State of Ohio, through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, has awarded the restoration project $731,000. In addition, the PCAA Fundraising Committee, with the assistance of John Keggan, Emeritus Director and honorary chair, has raised $600,000 through donations from loyal friends of the Palace. These combined monies allow the theatre to tackle Phase 1 of the project which includes ordering the upright sign, new canopy marquee, historic brick and terra cotta; additional deconstruction of the brick façade; removal and replacement of failing steel; and masonry and terra cotta replacement.
The PCAA continues to seek financial support for Phase 2 of this project which includes the repair and relighting of the upright Palace sign and the replacement of the canopy marquee. At press time, the additional monies needed to successfully complete this project total $500,000. In order to meet this challenge, the PCAA has launched a “Re-Light the Palace Marquee” fundraising campaign inviting organizations and individuals in the community to contribute to the cause.
“This historic building needs the community’s help,” said Board Fundraising Chair Scott Hoffman. “It is the centerpiece of the renewed Downtown Marion, an economic growth engine, and an icon in the historical theatre world. Renovating and securing the exterior of the Palace will be part of our heritage.”
Ford explained that the Palace Theatre is a historic and architecturally significant building in Marion county. Built in 1928 by John Eberson, the theatre has survived harsh winters, heavy rains, and economic hard times. It stands as one of only 18 operational Eberson atmospheric theatres in the world. For generations, said Ford, the theatre has served as a place in the Marion community where a family could see Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker before their very eyes, spend an evening at a sold-out Clint Black concert, or laugh with Tim Conway.
“We can retain the significance of this invaluable community asset where so many lives have been impacted,” said Ford. “This iconic marquee has lit up for first kisses and final farewells. For graduations and engagements. It has illuminated the path for talent to be born and for dreams to take flight. This grand entrance has welcomed young and old to the stage and to the seats. As we have walked under these marquee lights and through these historic doors, our lives have been woven together.”
“Now, with your help, we can restore the historic Marion Palace Theatre’s grand entrance to its former beauty and stature because her story is not complete. The remaining chapters are for you and for future generations to pen, and your help with this campaign will give us all the opportunity to do just that.”
The Palace Cultural Arts Association of Marion, Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by IRS code. To help restore the Palace, you can send designated contributions to Marion Palace Theatre Re-Light the Marquee Campaign, 276 W Center St, Marion, OH 43302.
For more information, contact the Palace Theatre Box Office during box office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm by phone 740-383-2101 or visit www.marionpalace.org.
About Marion Online News
