As we settle into fall, we have so much great news to share with you. Fundraising is going great, we have obtained part 1 of our historic designation, waterproofing us underway, the blade is coming down for restoration...we are on our way!
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Historic Registration Part 1 Approved
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Both state and federal authorities have given the green light to Part 1 of our theatre’s historic designation. At the state level, the approval came from the Wisconsin Historical Society. At the federal level, the approval came from the National Park Service. Part 1 deals with the historic credentials of the building. Because of the fame of the architects of our Art Deco building, we passed that test with flying colors. There are only a few theatres left created by Graven & Mayger. Next, is the submission of Part 2, which asks about the restoration work to be done on the structure. We have to honor all the historic elements, like the chandeliers, the proscenium that frames the stage and the interior columns topped by decorative urns. Part 2 is essentially the final step in the approval process. The lengthy document will be submitted this week.
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To get a jump start on the restoration of the theatre (and to beat winter weather), we will charge ahead with the most visible piece of the restoration project: the renovation of the perimeter-lit “West Bend” sign, called a blade, and the marquee. The blade will be taken down by Pablocki Sign Co. and moved to its shop where it will be rewired, painted and repaired where necessary. Pablocki gave us charitable discount. “This initial part of the project will show our large group of supporters that the restoration is a go,” said Nic Novaczyk, president of the nonprofit theatre organization. “We hope to have the blade and marquee all spruced up and back in place by mid-2019,” he said.
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Fundraising is going well! We have a goal of raising $ 3 million for the restoration project, and the fund raising has been met with outstanding generosity. The board has a high level of confidence that the goal will be met. Four lead gifts have led the way
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Waterproofing Underway!
Cornerstone Restoration, primarily a waterproofing business out of Sullivan WI, was seen hard at work in the bowels of the historic theatre this week. We have had a fair share of leaks and lots of rain of late. MSI General, our design/build form, sub-contracted with Cornerstone to plug the leaks.
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West Bend Fall Fest SPOOKTACULAR Results
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Board members Laura Mitchell and Ric Hartman rallied the troops to dress up the theatre, family and friends to entertain and “spook” costume garbed children who dared venture into the building. Spooky music, film projections, lights and ghoulish figure s did their best to give the 500 or so kids a fantastic, scary experience.
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Ticket Revolt
– Jim German remembers paying seven cents for a movie ticket in 1951. And he remembers that he and his friends were very upset when the prices went to nine cents. “Where were we going to get another two cents?” he asked. One of the movies he saw was “Them,” which was about insects taking over the world. On his way home near the river, they heard crickets and freaked out.
An Early Date
– Penny Fitzsimmons remembers her first date at the theatre when she was in the 8
th
grade. It was a matinee, she said, “but what was my mother thinking – a date in the 8
th
grade?” She sent the boy for popcorn several times because she didn’t want to hold his hand.
A Fan of Mick Jagger
– Rich Schommer, who worked as a projectionist, janitor and later as manager, recalls when a Mick Jagger movie was running. Mary Meade, wife of the theatre manager, leaned over to him and asked to crank up the sound volume. She was elderly by then, but whispered to Rich: “Isn’t Mick Jagger sexy?” Rich laughs today and said, “It was hilarious.”
Concession Sign Returned
– Rich Schommer has donated the Coca-Cola sign that once hung in the lobby concession area. Good to have it “back home.” Thanks, Rich.
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Building Status: Breaking ground in early 2019 and opening in 2020.
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Historic West Bend Theater | 125 S. Main St. West Bend, WI 53095 |
Website
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