The REES Project Committee has gone the extra mile toward their quest in making the renovations of the community’s historic theater, as ‘green’ driven as possible. The latest step comes in the form of a market/beach bag. But not just any bag, but one that has been crafted from the actual movie screen that brought to life many blockbuster movies and created even greater family memories.
In 2018 the large screen was brought down and stored for just the right use or re-purpose. Rees co-chair, Donna Pontius came up with the idea and sought to find someone to craft them. The screen is similar to a white vinyl material with holes in it making it breathable and perfect for a trip to the beach or farmer’s market. One hundred of the numbered collector bags were made and sales are underway. They will be sold on a first come, first served basis at a price of $40.00. Your order may be placed on The REES Facebook page or by calling Donna at 574-276-3616.
In the past three years dozens of theater seats have been sold to members of the community, those beyond repair were dismantled with wood arms and metal parts recycled along with metals throughout the building including the concrete from the demoed auditorium floor. Volunteers brought down brick walls in the basement that were constructed in 1865 recovering enough of the original brick needed to repair the vast exterior south wall. Field stones were removed from the original foundation and moved to the new kayak/canoe launch in River Park Square. Native timber ceiling joists will be saved as well as oak flooring from the penthouse apartment for table and bar tops. Ceramic clay roof tiles have already found a new home at a neighboring building.
Sustainability has been engineered into the project at every turn. A gift of renewable energy in the form of a solar rooftop array will power efficient LED house and marquee lighting. Tempered comfort will come from new rooftop HVAC units and hydronic heating in the floors.
The fourth and final phase will be out to bid in August with construction underway late this fall and a target opening in June of 2021. The REES has been designated a Stellar Initiative and when complete looks forward to being a supportive member of the community and fulfilling its mission of building up the arts and cultural assets in Marshall County.
You can join those who have placed their name upon this historic endeavor to save a local landmark and give it new life for the enjoyment of generations. To arrange a presentation or tour for a group, please contact Randy Danielson at 574-286-2391. A tax-deductible gift can be designated to the project or endowment fund with the assistance of the Marshall County Community Foundation, 2680 Miller Dr. Suite 120, Plymouth, IN 46563.
(Pix) During volunteer days in October of 2018, Chuck Garmon is shown bringing down the ‘silver’ screen. Due to its weight it was cut into strips, cleaned and stored.
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