Exciting new efforts to help save an important part of Clintonville's history, and repurpose an historic structure! The Clinton Theater building has now, thanks to heroic efforts by the Clintonville Historical Society, spearheaded by Mary Rodgers, been given landmark status by the National Landmarks Foundation. The Landmark status, in of itself, points to the significance of the building, but doesn't protect it; indeed, the building's owner has now obtained demolition permits for the theatre and the old Clintonville Electric Company buildings just south of the theatre building.
A fund drive is now underway, with support being sought from granting agencies, businesses, foundations, and private citizens, with the aim of raising enough money to purchase the building outright, while continuing to seek funding for remodeling the building for business uses or to house community organizations. An architectural analysis of the building has concluded that the building is structurally sound, although there has been extensive water damage to the interior due to the leaking roof.
A renovated building could serve many uses; most importantly, it could serve as the centerpiece of a rejuvenated commercial block at the center of Clintonville -- much as the theater itself did as an entertainment destination for almost five decades in the middle of the twentieth century.
Further information: contact
clintonvillehist@sbcglobal.net
