Restoration Progress
Initial Investment and Volunteer Support
Volunteers driving the revitalization efforts have completed a significant amount of research on the Theatre’s history and have done a tremendous amount of work to suggest possibilities for its future use. In order for an historic theatre to be successfully redeveloped into an entertainment facility, the community must support the concept and commit to the effort necessary for such an enterprise. It must be a grass roots effort in the broadest sense.
To present a visible case to the community and to encourage buy-in from all constituencies, Logan County Landmark Preservation, Inc. and the Holland Theatre, Ltd. have completed architectural and marketing surveys, explored the availability of historic tax credits and other funding sources, sought endorsements from community leaders, and developed a strategic plan. A business plan that includes startup and ongoing operations has been developed.
The Holland Theatre has already attracted support from within the community and at city, county, state and federal levels. The purchase of the Holland was made possible through a generous donation by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Knowlton. This $135,000 gift allowed the Logan County Landmark Preservation, Inc., to acquire the property. Following this, the county’s leading corporate citizen, Honda of America, made a $75,000 donation. Then, State Representative Tony Core and State Senator Larry Mumper secured a $250,000 grant from the State of Ohio. In a gesture of support and confidence, both the Logan County Commissioners and the City of Bellefontaine have made gifts to the Holland project. These funds were used primarily to complete emergency repairs and to secure the theatre from further deterioration.
More recently, a Community Development Block Grant was obtained through the Logan County Commissioners and was used to completely upgrade and rebuild the women’s restroom, making it a large, roomy, modern facility that meets the handicapped standards of today. It also upgraded some of the electrical systems on the stage.
In 2005, through the efforts of Ohio Senator Mike DeWine and his office, the Holland Theatre will be receiving a $200,000 “Save America’s Treasures” federal project grant. This is a matching grant. The money from this grant is a start to raising funds for a new heating and cooling system for the historic Holland Theatre. Sky Bank has donated $10,000 and Center Stage Productions (a theatrical group of home schooled children) has donated $3,000 toward the match.
In addition, through the hard work of State Representative Tony Core, $100,000 has been appropriated for the Holland Theatre and will be administered through the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission.
More than 28,000 hours of volunteer labor have been donated by citizens. Dozens of enthusiastic individuals have repaired and patched plumbing and electrical systems, hauled tons of trash, removed damaged materials, cleared rooms packed with broken equipment and discarded furniture, and presented the Holland project in public through lectures, presentations, performances and building tours.
Grant AnnouncementsLogan County Landmark Preservation, Inc. and the Holland Theatre, Ltd. are proud to announce that we have received the following grants recently: |
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| Date: | Grant: | Amount: |
| February 1, 2004 | Community Development Block Grant via Logan County Commissioners | $90,000 |
| July 26, 2004 | Laura Jane Musser Fund | $7,500 |
| September 8, 2004 | Logan County Community Connections - Logan County Cooperative Power and Light | $1,750 |
| Coming in 2005 | Save America’s Treasures project via Senator Mike DeWine | $200,000 |
| Coming in 2005 | Ohio Cultural Arts Facilities Commission via State Representative Tony Core | $100,000 |