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The Alive wrote
Crowning the King-Lincoln
By John Ross
July 3, 2008
Little more than a dirt floor, crumbling brick and a dilapidated marquee when renovations began earlier this year, the historic Lincoln Theatre is shaping up to become the crown jewel of the King-Lincoln District, once the city’s thriving African-American cultural hub.
Opened in 1928 as the Ogden Theater & Dance Hall, the 60,000-square-foot theater is set to reopen in April 2009. The building, located on Long Street just east of I-71, has been closed since the early 1970s.
Aware of the structure’s historic importance and the need to bring it up to code, the Columbus Association of Performing Arts is trying to strike a balance between traditional charm and modern convenience. Original Egyptian-style motifs will be restored, as will the historic lobby and a vintage film projector. Structural changes will include moving the entrance to the west side of the building and constructing a balcony on the second floor to increase capacity to 574.
Comments
- cheap: i highly recommend the Millersport sweet corn festival of course,the cor
- Jimmy Mak: Thanks for the write-up! Just to clarify - this is the third year we've do
- Briana Henry: Well, eventually they plan to add more bands from the region...gotta start
- bucki12: I like the business model, but the internet sales part seems like something
- racheltb: I don't see the Ohio Shrimp Fest on the list. It is truly a good time. h
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Lincoln Theatre Revamp under way for 2009 Opening
By: Walker
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+1
that big empty exposed brick wall seems a little out of place. i would have liked to have seen something designed similar to the ohio theater addition (similar height/style to original building) and then maybe a pedestrian walkway inbetween and another similar height building next door.
Personally, I like the mix of new and old. A mix of preservation and modern makes for an interesting visual style. Not every neighborhood needs to look like German Village.
I like the modern stuff on Main Downtown, but it desperately needs residential developments that fit in with the modern look there. I think the blank wall should simply be left alone for some quality infill. This is taking up space that could be used for that.
You would love Kunstler’s Eyesore of the Month at kunstler.com
The new entrance to the Lincoln isn’t being done for aesthetics, it’s being done so that the building is up to code. The old entrance doesn’t comply with today’s standards. Something about updated fire codes, handicap accessibility, and people just being fatter today than they were 50 years ago. ;)
Anyway, if you think the KLD needs better residential development, you should buy a place over here and start fixing it up. There’s plenty to be had for very cheap. I’m sure you could land a mortgage payment similar to what you could find for the cost of a rental in that expensive Peach District of yours. :P
You would love Kunstler’s Eyesore of the Month at kunstler.com
I only wish it were weekly. :lol: At least the addition is for function.
From The Dispatch:
Columbus has agreed to pay $2.3 million to cover cost overruns and added amenities in the Lincoln Theatre restoration.
The money will be used to pay for unforeseen capital items including a new roof, as well as a change in the scope of the project, said Larry James, a Columbus lawyer who is spearheading the restoration.
For instance, $1 million is being spent to add a balcony to increase seating to 574. Another $650,000 is requested to create a jazz academy to be run by the Columbus-based Jazz Arts Group.
James said the additional costs will transform the Lincoln Theatre, 771 E. Long St., which has sat empty since the early 1970s, into a one-of-a-kind arts venue. It’s also considered a key component in the revitalization of the King-Lincoln District.
[Read More]