HOLLYWOOD THEATER

Message from the President

 

2018 is now half over and the Theater Board can look back and be proud of our recent accomplishments.  The 20th Hollywood Happening was a success with the proceeds nearing $35,000.  Thank you to all who assisted, with a special thank you to Wolf’s Run (Willie Parry and Sally Snow) for sponsoring the Chicago Authority and a great Saturday night of music.  In addition, thank you to our Hall of Fame sponsors: Gernatt Family of Businesses, Gowanda Harley-Davidson, Seneca Gaming & Entertainment, and the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County.

 

It should be noted that the 20th will be the last Happening the Hollywood Theater Committee will produce. We hopefully made the last 12 years of the "Happening" special.

 

The restoration of our historic theater has made progress over the last year.  Last Fall, the murals were restored through a grant from Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.  They look great! 

 

As we look forward to the last half of 2018 we are anticipating some big projects.  The Theater has received four major grant awards.  The first grant is through the EPF (New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation) for an amount of $498,000.  The project total including the local match is $665,000.  The scope of this work will finish the paint and plaster repairs in the house.  This includes floor repairs, fixed seating, draperies and carpeting.

 

The second grant is through Restore NY for an amount of $324,000 with a project total of $360,000.  This work will include balcony repairs, electrical upgrades, aisle lighting, theatrical lighting and balcony seating and carpeting.

 

The third grant is through Erie County Environment and Planning (CDBG) for an amount of $150,000 with a project total of $165,000.  This project will restore and upgrade the marquee, hopefully with a digital background.

 

The fourth grant is through Empire State Development Smart Growth for an amount of $250,000 to be used as a match for the local share of the other three grants.  This grant is through the Village of Gowanda as a partner.

 

Once final approval from SHPO gets here, the projects will be ready to go out for bid.  Construction should take 8 to 12 momths.

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Even with these generous grants, the Theater still needs to fundraise for the sound system, projection equipment and continued Wurlitzer organ restoration.   This requires a significant effort with lots of events.  One of these upcoming fundraising events is the golf tounament, which will be held at Gowanda Country Club on August 6, 2018.  Information is available from any Board member.

 

We would like to expend a special thank you to Deb Harris, Grant Writer Extraordinaire! We all appreciate your efforts.  If anyone has any questions, comments or would just want to see the Theater, please contact Deborah Harris, Project Coordinator, at the Theater Office (716) 532-6103 or email the Theater at info@gowandahollywoodtheater.com.

 

 

Best regards,

 

Mark C. Burr

Board President