The Brick District Playhouse Theatre renovation project has received a grant through the Callaway Arts Council that will pay for an HVAC heating/cooling system.
The $47,300 Rural Business Development grant was announced by USDA Rural Development Business Programs Director Matt Moore.
"This theater is such an important piece of history for the city of Fulton. After being vacant for more than a decade, it was imperative to renovate this building for the restoration and cultural fabric of downtown Fulton," Moore said. "Through our Rural Business Development Grant Program, we were able to assist the Callaway Arts Council in Phase 2 of their renovation project by providing an HVAC system. We couldn't be more excited and proud to see the Brick District Playhouse Theatre come to fruition."
The large 1920s historical theater is located in Fulton's Brick District, an area undergoing a revitalization based on cultural activities and tourism-related experiences. After being taken over by the Brick District in 2015, the board raised enough funds to demolish the inside of the building, complete renovations in the front to open the Playhouse Bistro, which will provide refreshments or catering for events at the theater, and to finish all the exterior renovations to the building itself.
Callaway Arts Council President Tom Riley expressed the community's appreciation for the USDA's support.
"This entire project has been a great example of how progress can be made through private-public cooperation," he said. "The USDA grant is a major reason we can now move to the auditorium renovations, which allows us to preserve our historic buildings and put them to good use in promoting cultural activities and economic growth."
The Callaway Arts Council Board of Directors have approved plans for Phase II of the renovation of the theater, which will include the installation of a new HVAC unit in the auditorium and balcony area, an interior sprinkler system, and lighting and interior renovations so concerts, plays and other events can be held in the Playhouse.
The RBDG program is a grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small emerging private businesses in rural areas. For more information, visit the USDA Missouri Rural Development website at rd.usda.gov/mo or contact the Clinton Area Office at 660-885-5567 ext 4.