Quality Masonry Company works to remove sections of the marquee blade. Photo by Marion Palace Theatre.
Since 1928, the historic Marion Palace Theatre has been a significant landmark attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year to downtown Marion, Ohio. And, it is not uncommon to hear Palace patrons comment on the remarkable beauty of the theatre. However, exposure to the elements for the past 85 years has caused stress on the masonry and steel that support the vertical and horizontal marquees creating safety issues.
In November 2013, the iconic 50 foot vertical marquee was removed and placed in safe storage until Quality Masonry Company, the restoration company, can determine if it can be refurbished or needs replaced. In December 2013, the company carefully removed the brick and decorative terra cotta from the front façade, which is also in need of repair.
State capital funds and grants have been requested to help fund the restoration project that is expected to exceed 3 million dollars. However, additional financial help is needed from the community to complete the job that will create a safe structure and restore the theatre to its original beauty.
While a formal fundraising campaign is planned for 2014, as this year winds to a close, the PCAA Board invites interested individuals to give a tax-deductible, year-end donation to the Marion Palace Theatre Restoration Fund.
The Palace Cultural Arts Association (PCAA) says they are grateful for the individuals who are annual members, the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the loyal patrons who purchase tickets, the high schools that present musical productions at the theatre, and the local businesses who advocate the arts by sponsoring Palace events. The PCAA says that as important as the aforementioned contributions are, they do not fund the restoration project.
The Palace Cultural Arts Association of Marion, Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Monetary gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS code.
Those wishing to help restore the Palace may send designated contributions to Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W Center St, Marion, OH 43302 or contact Executive Director Bev Ford by phone at 740/383-2101.
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