Quality Masonry Company works to remove sections of the marquee blade. Photo by Marion Palace Theatre.
As 2014 winds to a close, the Palace Cultural Arts Association (PCAA) Board invites interested individuals to give a tax-deductible, year-end donation to the historic Marion Palace Theatre’s Restoration Fund and/or Digital Projection Fund.
The Palace Theatre Restoration Fund was set up by the PCAA Board in the fall of 2013 when the Marion Palace Theatre’s decorative façade wall and the upright 50-foot PALACE sign were removed from the front of the building (pictured). This was done for public safety, as the structural integrity of the steel and exterior walls had deteriorated over time. Major work is needed in order to reconstruct the grand entrance for which the Marion Palace Theatre is so well known. The $1.8 million renovation plan will restore safety, preserve this 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 & terra cotta facade and horizontal canopy marquee
- Replacement of structural steel and 50-foot PALACE blade sign
To help realize their $1.8 million fundraising goal and complete these renovations, the Palace Theatre has secured a commitment of $731,000 in matching funds from the State Capital budget. To receive this state support, however, the state requires that we complete our fundraising campaign by 2015. To meet this challenge, the Board is looking for cash and pledges from organizations and individuals in our community. The remaining $1.1 million are needed in 2015 to receive the state funds and successfully complete the project.
In addition to the Restoration Fund, The Evelyn E. Walter Foundation, Wm. Kay Davis Foundation and Merle & Peg Hamilton Charitable Foundation, through Trustee Ron Cramer, have issued a matching fund challenge to help raise the funds needed to install a new Digital Projection System. Due to the recent shift in the film industry and the decision made by film studios to discontinue the production of 35mm film, small theatres, including the Palace, have lost the ability to show many movies including new releases, Christian based films and most Classics.
If the Palace Board can raise $22,000 by December 30, these foundations will match those efforts 3 to 1, totaling a donation of $68,000.
The PCAA is grateful for the individuals who are annual members, the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the loyal patrons who purchase tickets, the high schools that present musical productions at the theatre, and the local businesses who advocate the arts by sponsoring Palace events. As important as the aforementioned contributions are, they fund operations and do not cover the Palace Theatre Restoration Fund or the Digital Projection Matching Fund Challenge.
The Palace Cultural Arts Association of Marion, Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Monetary gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by IRS code.
Those wishing to help restore the Palace may send designated contributions to Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W Center St, Marion, OH 43302. Please indicate on the check’s memo line if your donation is for the Digital Fund or Restoration Fund.
For additional information or questions, please contact Executive Director Bev Ford by phone at 740/383-2101.
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