SIMON THEATRE HOLDS THEATRE RENOVATION FUNDRAISER

  

The Simon Theatre is slowly but surely on its way to becoming an economic engine for the local community, and last night, a fundraising event was held to show donors and potential donors how the renovations are progressing.

Hal Moorman tells about last night’s fundraising event.

There is still approximately $1.739, 413 million dollars needed to complete the project, including the Simon Building itself and the Kugel Building next door which will add approximately 3500 more square feet.

Moorman tells a little more of what is left to do.

1. Although the façade of the building may look like the original, and the 1925 concrete and steel were in excellent shape, just about everything else is brand new. That includes the sign and marquee
2. Balcony..structural..holding up the walls.
3. We put on a new roof. The roof leaked and there were pigeons everywhere.  Be glad you weren’t up here before the roof was fixed.
4. We found and had to remove an old propane tank in the alley next to the theatre.
5. Building Codes and ADA requirements were met by installing Elevators and additional stairs.
6. We installed all new electrical and plumbing throughout the 18,000+ square foot facility.
7. You are comfortable in this room thanks to the installation of more than 100 tons of air conditioning.
8. ADA required us to design and install restrooms to accommodate hundreds of people.
9. For the ultimate in fire protection we installed fire sprinklers for the whole building
10. To keep it historic, we built new historically appropriate windows and doors.
11. We repaired, salved or copied original terrazzo and wood floors. The one you see in this ballroom is the original floor.
12. We are in the process of uncovering and restoring historic paint detailing and colors.
13. We bought 316 theatre seats, conference and round tables, and 250 chairs to make the space ready for conferences and events.
14. We had designed and installed Audio Visual equipment has to meet the needs of conference/meeting planners, and Digital Cinema Projection will allow for projection of high definition films and performances by satellite.  Lucy UT Baylor
15. We built a wonderful professional catering kitchen in this ballroom
16. When we were near completion of the ballroom, the whole top of the proscenium arch and parts of the ceiling around it collapsed. Plaster artists are not easy to come by. We have one we’re trying to keep healthy while he works on reforming and molding the detailed design.

Moorman says that some of the uses for the renovated Simon Theatre will be for companies who need the space for special events, or those who have the space, but want an extra special place to do things like make special announcements.

Persons or companies would be able to use the Simon for parties, receptions, and other special events, and companies from outside the area could use the space as a convention center.“The money we have raised puts us in the encouraging condition that you see the building today – great progress, making it easy to see the potential that lies ahead,” says Moorman.