The History
Brief Timeline of Accomplishments to Date
2013
Concept Study prepared by Westlake Reed Leskosky to begin the initial plans – presentations made to City Commission focusing on future plans
Phase I Environmental Impact Study
Columbia Clean Up Days
2014
Presentation at the Historic Preservation in America’s Legacy Cities Conference – presentation by Landee W. Bryant-Greene with Matt Jennings and Paul Siemborski of Westlake Reed Leskosky
Feasibility Study by Westport Palmer Group
– 43 one on one interviews conducted with targeted stakeholders
– public presentation of findings held at Maiden Alley Cinema
Phase II Environmental Impact Study
League of Historic American Theatre Conference – New York, NY
Awarded a Kentucky Brownfield Clean Up Grant – $49,000
Columbia Clean Up Days
2015
Funding awarded from the Carson-Myre Foundation
Funding awarded from the Kentucky Colonels
Asbestos abatement completed by Chase Environmental
Restoration of the original fire curtain and paint study completed by the
International Fine Art Conservation Studios (IFACS) in Atlanta
Columbia Clean Up Days
2016
Reclaimed & Repurposed Art Exhibition/Fundraiser
Local couple donates funds to purchase new marquee letters
Market Research Survey completed by 1,500 participants
Transfer of property to Paducah Art House Alliance
Federal Brownfield Clean Up Grant application submitted
Columbia Clean Up Days
2017
Development of a comprehensive business and restructuring plan
Funding awarded from the Carson-Myre Foundation
2015
A project manager and three artists repaired, restored and repainted the curtain so it now looks much like it did when it was first raised in 1927.
In 2015 significant funding was awarded through the Kentucky Colonels, private donors, and the Carson-Myre Foundation. These funds allowed the complete repair and restoration of the original fire curtain as well as a paint study by the International Fine Art Conservation Studios (IFACS) of Atlanta, GA.
The team from IFACS recovered a panel from the original stained glass ceiling. Upon cleaning they uncovered the coloration of the glass work which gave the restoration team from Big City Maids Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 400, Houston, TX 77069 further insight about earlier interior color palettes.
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The Columbia Theatre Restoration Project exists under Paducah Art House Alliance (PAHA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The purpose of the dedicated group of volunteers is to save the Columbia Theatre.
© 2017 The Columbia Theatre