The Brick District Playhouse project is in phase II of its three-phase plan, seeking government funding to help restore the old Fulton Theatre.
Fulton's Brick District took control over the 87-year-old theatre from the Callaway Arts Council in January and implemented the first phase of the plan - recruiting volunteers for management, design, marketing and construction purposes, making necessary repairs and renovations to the front of the building.
Currently, the city of Fulton is aiding the Brick District in its efforts to revitalize the playhouse by applying for a tax credit. City Administrator Bill Johnson announced to the Fulton City Council during its meeting Tuesday that the city would be the name on the tax credit but assume no financial responsibilities. The tax credit, not a tax deduction, gives back to donors 50 cents on the dollar off of their tax bills.
Completion of the front of the theatre will be key in showing potential donors the Brick District is responsible with its funding. Riley said the Brick District absorbed about $6,000 from the Callaway Arts Council, has received monetary donations - one that was anonymous for $20,000 and another from the Fulton Heritage Trust of $5,000 - and in-kind donations. The Brick District has spent less than $5,000 as of late April and raised more than $30,000.
"Once we get work on the front done, we need to continue to look at funding," Riley said.
Riley said the most the Brick District can receive from the tax credit is $100,000. That money will go to installing heating and air conditioning and a sprinkler system, restoring the balcony and auditorium, fixing the roof to prevent leaking problems and tuck pointing on the outside of the building.
"It would get us really close (to completion)," Riley said. "Enough that we would be operational."
If the Brick District does not receive the tax credit through the state, Riley said the organization will apply for grants. If grants aren't awarded, then they will raise funds over time. He said the project needs to be completed soon in order to save the structure.
"It's our last shot to do this," he said. "If our group in the Brick District can't get it done, who will? The building won't be salvageable."
So far, crews - including volunteers and contracted workers with the Fulton-based general contracting company Glove Con - have cleaned out the theatre, installed electricity, secured the building from the outside, tore down non-original walls, removed the drop ceiling and renovated the basement.
Riley said he credits the community support to the connections people have with the theatre and its thrill as well as how attractive the space is to performing arts.
"We've been surprised with the theatre's progress and pleased with its support," Riley said.
Riley said the Brick District would like to see a restaurant or cafe function out of the front of the theatre, while the theatre space will host various performances.
Kent Glover, owner and operator of Glove Con, said within 3-4 weeks, his crews should be finished with the 3,500 square foot front space, which will showcase art deco-style glass windows. He added that building is made of structural steel and is "very solid."
"It has good bones, I guess you would say," Glover said.