Renovations to the exterior of the Mulkey Theatre began this week after the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation approved a $128,000 contract last Thursday, October 4.
The CEDC Board reviewed a base bid with five alternative suggestions presented by Pioneer General Contractors before settling on the major scope of work and incorporating three of the alternate scopes.
“I am thrilled to see the official start of Phase One,” said Clarendon’s Director of Tourism & Economic Development Chandra Eggemeyer. “With the completion of the exterior renovation in a few weeks, the Mulkey Theatre will once again light up Kearney Street.”
The Phase One project will remove stucco from the soffit of the marquee, reinforce wood framing, and then raise the entire marquee to allow proper drainage. Tile on the front of the theatre will be repaired or replaced, and a new double insulated storefront window will be installed in the former Mulkey barbershop, which has been renovated for use as a Visitor’s Center and office for the Director of Tourism and Economic Development.
Badly weathered doors on the theatre will be replaced with wooden doors designed and stained to match the originals. The Visitor’s Center, however, will be given a new metal and glass storefront door to allow for more light and a more inviting appearance.
Corrugated panels on the theatre façade will be cleaned and painted, and stucco on the façade will be resurfaced.
Phase One will also restore neon lighting on the underside of the marquee and add new neon in porthole windows on the façade, along the outline of the corrugated inset, and along the top of the building. Architect Mason Rogers also said up lighting may be added to the marquee to light the front of the building.
A new electrical service will also be installed in the theatre to support Phase One renovations and will have sufficient capacity to support Phase Two renovations, which call for restoring the building as a movie theatre and for use as a conference and visitor’s center.
“This worthwhile effort will kick start the beginning of a larger downtown revitalization effort for Clarendon,” Eggemeyer said. “Projects such as these encourage a sense of community as citizens and visitors alike start to gather in the downtown area again, just as they did years ago.
“The Mulkey is a treasure, and I look forward to the day when the completely renovated property is unveiled for everyone to enjoy again.”
Phase One renovations are being paid for by funds that have been set aside over several years by the CEDC, which is funded by a half-cent sales tax inside the city.
The CEDC continues to accept private donations as it looks to Phase Two, which is expected to cost about $900,000, and grant opportunities are being actively pursued to fund those renovations.
“The public’s support is greatly appreciated as we continue to raise funds for our matching portion required of grant programs,” Eggemeyer said.
To follow the renovations online, visit www.facebook.com/mulkeytheatre.
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