The re-opening of the Mulkey Theatre is coming soon after the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation approved bids totaling about $325,000 to finish the project Monday night, November 5,.
CEDC officials accepted bids on seating, projection and sound systems, stage lighting, and other work necessary to make the 1946 theatre fully functional again.
CEDC President Robert Riza said he is excited about completion of the Mulkey and also said he is honored to be part of the group that will see it finished.
“I think this will be an excellent draw to our downtown area and really be something the citizens of Clarendon and Donley County can be very proud of,” Dr. Riza said.
The finished theatre will have a seating capacity of 240, including 36 recliner chairs in the balcony. In addition to cinematic productions, the Mulkey will be a multipurpose facility that is able to accommodate small live performances and plays, public meetings and conferences, catered dinners, and parties, other functions.
CEDC board member Terri Floyd was also excited about Monday’s action.
“We’ve been working on this for a long time, and now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Floyd said. “This is going to be a huge benefit to our community for many years to come.”
The “Bring Back the Mulkey” project began when the CEDC purchased the building in 2008. Work began that year with a new roof being put on the building and has continued in phases since that time.
An exact date for the re-opening has not been set at this time, pending scheduling among contractors. In the meantime, the CEDC is offering folks a chance to have their names permanently installed in the theatre by sponsoring auditorium seats. For $100 Mulkey supporters can have their name or the name of a friend or loved one affixed to a seat on the main floor of the theatre.
Chamber of Commerce Manager Bob Weiss has taken an active role in getting the Mulkey finished and shares the CEDC board’s excitement to get the final work started.
“Hooray! We’re going to be able to watch movies soon!” Weiss said. “It’s so nice after working so long to see the project come to fruition. Everybody should come on down and buy a seat.”
To sponsor a seat or seats, stop by the Clarendon Visitor Center at the Mulkey or send your check or money order to Clarendon Community Fund, PO Box 906, Clarendon, TX 79226, with “Mulkey Seats” in the memo.
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