Preserve America Thematic Trail Meeting

Meeting of 26 February 2008, Capitol Center Theater

Notes from Preserve America Grant meet

Historic Theaters 02.26.2008

Introductions were followed by discussion of concerns and ideas from stakeholders in regard to needs to be addressed by mini-grant funding. The top three concerns were:

1) Brick & Mortar Needs (8)

• ADA compliance

• safety issues

• facade preservation

2) Development/Fundraising (8)

3) Marketing (7)

• ticketing

• programming

• signage

• online presence

• cross-market packaging

(10) Stakeholders agreed that Networking with other theaters was the greatest need.

Bryan Ward explained the HPI form included in the folders distributed at sign-in. These forms need to be completed and returned to the PAWV office; mballman@pawv.org

The form is available online at http://www.wvculture.org/shpo/wvhpif.pdf

Martha Ballman talked about the intent of the Preserve America grant being primarily to document a list of historic theaters in our state and develop a product to market these theaters in the form of a “trail”. It was emphasized that participants/stakeholders would set the criteria in regard to deciding what qualifies as a “historic Theater” in regard to this project. It was explained that participants/stakeholders would be setting the guidelines for the mini-grant program as well. Participants/stakeholders will decide whether they want a brochure or website, or both to market the trail. They will also decide when and where the meetings will occur and will provide their feedback on preferences using the Historic Theater Trail Survey provided in the folders distributed. These form are to be completed and returned to PAWV as soon as possible.

Electronic versions of the forms are available from PAWV at mballman@pawv.org.

There was also discussion of the possibility of the participants/stakeholders being able to from a guild/league with assistance of grant funds being applied for by Deb Keddie. They can indicate interest on the Historic Theater Trail Survey from for this idea as well. This topic will be thoroughly investigated in future meetings.

Chris Knorr talked about tax credits to assist historic theaters. The information is available at http://www.wvculture.org/shpo/taxcredit.html

Discussion of New Market Tax Credits followed. Mark Sadd talked about one bank making a local theater a subsidiary to leverage funding. Jeremy Morris reported that Wheeling has used LLC’s to utilize tax credits for historic preservation projects. Karen explained that the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has a Community Investment Program. This program has “up-front” costs associated with applying. Discussion followed in regard to sharing the expenses among several theaters and/or “pooling” local monies to create needed match to leveraging funding as a group. This topic should be more thoroughly investigated in future meetings.

There was discussion of what needs for major improvement there is among the theaters represented. To help assess the need stakeholders are asked to declare the amount needed for major capitol improvements on question #11 of the Historic Theater Trail Survey.

Monica Miller reported that the NTHP is interested in seeing more projects from WV.

Rose McDonough gave an overview of SHPO grants available to stakeholders to help meet needs. Many are applicable. Stakeholders are encouraged to apply and to work with local Historic Landmark Commissions in applying. Rose will be available for more thorough discussion in future meetings.

WV Legislators are currently considering Sen Bill 559 in regard to increasing funding for historic preservation grant funding from the video lottery pool.

Justin Gaull encouraged theaters to apply for marketing funds through the WV Tourism grant program. There was discussion of using this grant as a group to market whatever marketing product we decide to pursue. More information on this program is at:

http://www.wvtourism.com/spec.aspx?pgID=110

Laura McCullough discussed the National League of Historic Theaters and the benefits of belonging. She strongly feels that a WV League or Guild of Theaters would be very beneficial to all participants. A League/Guild website would be a great opportunity for networking as well. She suggests listing service providers (plasterers, lighting techs, etc,) on the site if we have a group website.

The meeting concluded with lunch and networking with other participants also, with an impromptu tour of the theater. Our thanks to Laura for being an exceptional host.