Consultant recommends reopening Robins Theater

Council passed an ordinance to borrow money for a car dealership expansion.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Renovating and reopening downtown's Robins Theater for performances will cost $12,323,163, but the investment would be extremely worthwhile, according to a study done by a consultant.
The once-regal theater on East Market Street, just off Courthouse Square, opened in 1923 and was one of Ohio's first structures of its size built specifically for the film industry. The historic movie and Vaudeville theater was built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style.
Since closing in the 1970s, it has fallen into disrepair. Suggestions have been to transform the theater into a performing arts center and civic auditorium that wouldn't compete with Packard Music Hall.
The feasibility study on the Robins Theater renovation was done by Westlake, Reed & amp; Leskosky architects and engineers of Cleveland at a cost of $30,000 and presented to city council Wednesday. The study was paid for by a grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission.
Study's position
"This theater has the potential to become an important asset and is a significant landmark to downtown Warren" and is "deserving of preservation and restoration," the study said.
"The rehabilitation of this magnificent venue would support economic growth and cultural opportunities for the central business district and would serve as a catalyst for community growth," the study said.
"The theater building is an important and valuable piece of property. The structure is sound and well-worth the financial investment it would take to open the doors," the study said.
To do minimal renovation and restoration and keep the theater "safe, warm and dry," the consultants estimate the cost would be $3,691,910.
State bond
State Rep. Randy Law, R-64th, has said he wants the W.D. Packard Music Hall to use a $1 million state bond that had been pledged to the long-awaited Robins Theater renovation.
When the state budget reappropriation comes up this fall, Law said the $1 million should be earmarked for the music hall, where it can be used now for improvements to a functioning auditorium. The reappropriation bill moves around funds not used in the previous fiscal year.
The problem with the Robins project, Law has said, is that there is no active effort locally to raise matching dollars from donors. Past renovation estimates have been about $6 million or $7 million.
Ordinances passed
Council passed an ordinance for the city to enter into a 20-year contract with Aqua Ohio to supply water to Southington. The city stands to gain $150,000 to $250,000 a year from that contract, according to Robert Davis, the city's director of utility services.
Also passed was an ordinance to borrow $1.7 million toward a $4.8 million expansion at the Diane Sauer Chevrolet dealership at South Street and Chestnut and Niles avenues in the city's downtown. The 15-year loan will come to the city from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the city will provide the money to the dealership. HUD has already approved the loan.
Also passed was an ordinance to enter into a $80,000 contract with New World Systems Corp. of Troy, Mich., to upgrade software for the computer terminals in police cruisers to allow police to write reports from the field.
Council passed an ordinance to enter into a 15-year agreement with the village of Lordstown to furnish city water to General Motors.
Also passed was an ordinance to hire an engineering consultant to perform a storm-water drainage study of several flood prone areas of the city.
An ordinance that would allow the use of automated cameras to impose civil penalties on speeders was placed in second reading. Unless it passes as an emergency measure, three readings are required for final passage of an ordinance.