DOVER-FOXCROFT – As a result of the passage of a $34 million economic bond, Center Theatre Inc. will receive $500,000 in state funds for renovation of the Center Theatre building in downtown Dover-Foxcroft. Center Theatre, Inc., a nonprofit organization, was formed in 1998 by regional residents to create a performing arts center that will provide education, entertainment, and cultural enrichment for the people who visit, live and work in Piscataquis County.

Center Theatre Inc., has worked for several years to secure the Center Theatre for the site of the performing arts center because of the building’s unique architecture, its central location in the county seat, and its historical importance. The building, which was built in 1940 and operated as a movie theater until around 1970, still retains a stage and many outstanding art deco features. Center Theater Inc. plans to renovate the theater, a historically and architecturally significant regional landmark, and offer year-round arts and education programs for children and adults.

“We are tremendously grateful to all the legislators who supported this bond package, especially Senator Mike Michaud, who sponsored both the original bond bill, to Senator Paul Davis, Representative Sharon Libby Jones, Representative Jim Annis, and Representative Steve Stanley, who all co-sponsored the bill and worked hard to see that Center Theatre was included. We would also like to thank all the Maine voters who supported the bond at the polls on Tuesday,” said Rollin Thurlow, chairman of the Board for Center Theatre Inc. “This money does far more than just pay for renovations to a building. It is an investment in Piscataquis County’s economy. We are simply thrilled by this support.”

Center Theatre Inc., will use the $500,000 to pay for a variety of renovations to the performing arts center’s main auditorium, including expanding the stage, installing heat, plumbing and lights, and removing asbestos. The organization is raising the rest of the money it needs to complete the renovations through a capital fund drive.

A thorough architectural assessment to the theater, conducted in 2001 by John Gordon Architecture of Bangor, has shown the Center Theater to be structurally sound and worthy of renovation. Cadbury Consultants Ltd. of Rockport conducted a feasibility study that concluded demand for a regional arts center is high, while separately Center Theatre Inc., developed a plan for operating the center as a sustainable business. In May, Center Theatre Inc., signed an agreement to purchase the building from Dover-Foxcroft Associates. The organization will take ownership of the building in July and begin renovations as soon as possible thereafter.

For more information or to donate to the capital fund drive, contact Erin Callaway at 564-2194, callaway@midmaine.com, or write to: Center Theatre Inc., P. O. Box 441, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.