WARREN City makes preparations for theater's restoration

The preliminary design also will include project cost estimates.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Although restoration of the historical Robins Theater may be years away, the city's community development department is laying groundwork for when the money comes through.
The city received a $50,000 state grant for preliminary design work. Michael D. Keys, community development director, said the design would be used in the construction and fund-raising phases of the project. The preliminary design also is expected to include cost estimates for the project.
The once-regal theater on East Market Street, just off Courthouse Square, opened in 1923. Since closing in the 1970s, it has fallen into disrepair with dust and debris scattered across the floor, but elements of its former splendor, including velvet-covered walls and elaborate fixtures, remain.
The theater "is the largest and only surviving movie house within the city of Warren and is a contributing structure in the Warren Commercial National Historic District," says information used in inviting companies to submit proposals.
It was one of Ohio's first structures of its size built specifically for the film industry, according to the documents.
Project's goal
The restoration project aims to transform the theater into a performing arts center and civic auditorium.
It would include restoration of the fa & ccedil;ade, lobby and interior architecture, expansion of the stage to accommodate modern events and productions, installation of electric and plumbing systems and other work.
When completed, the theater will serve as a home to several local performing arts groups, including the Warren Civic Music Association, the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra and the Warren Junior Military Band, the information says.
A steering committee, made up of elected officials and people versed in historical preservation or the arts, has been appointed to work on the project.
"We want them to look at the proposals to see if we're on the right track or not," Keys said.
The state also has committed $1 million for the project that will be available when the city raises the amount required to complete the work. The total project amount hasn't been determined.
The director said the committee will seek contributions from private donors as well as state or federal funds.
Expressed interest
Heather McMahon, urban design and grants coordinator at the city's community development department, said companies from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Akron and Wisconsin either toured the theater or expressed interest in the project.
"These are experts in doing theater restoration," McMahon said.
A 1997 report by a Pittsburgh development company, regarding the city's historical attributes and ways to market them, suggested restoration of the theater as an additional attraction to help generate visitor business and to retain visitors overnight for the economic benefit of the area.
It suggested shows highlighting pieces of the city's history such as a play on the Suffragette Movement and Warren resident Harriet Taylor Upton's role in it.
denise.dick@vindy.com