Monday, October 10, 2011

Dinniman Announces $250,000 in State Funding for Phoenixville’s Colonial Theatre to Help It Purchase, Renovate Adjacent Chester County Bank Building

Kudos to the Colonial Theater and State Senator Andy Dinniman!!

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News Releases

WEST CHESTER (October 7) – State Senator Andy Dinniman announced that Phoenixville’s Association for the Colonial Theater will soon receive $250,000 in state funding to help purchase and renovate its neighboring building, the former home of The Phoenix newspaper.

Dinniman on Friday said the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding will help Colonial Theatre officials turn the vacant building into a multi-purpose 250-seat theater for arts performances, which in turn will continue Phoenixville’s economic and cultural revitalization.

“The Colonial Theatre is both a focal point of and driving force behind Phoenixville’s revitalization, attracting film buffs and concertgoers who then shop and dine in the many other thriving businesses in borough’s historic downtown,” Dinniman said. “I am confident that these funds will go a long way in the expansion and renovation of the theatre and the continued renaissance of downtown Phoenixville.”

In addition to the 250- seat theater, Colonial Theatre officials say the rehabilitation will also include a large lobby and “incubator space” for arts-related start-up organizations.

Colonial Theatre Association Executive Director Mary Foote on Friday said, “This is a real honor that Senator Dinniman found our project so worthwhile that he would do so much to make this grant happen. The impact this will have on our organization and the Phoenixville community is very strong,”

Foote added, “Arts and culture play a large role in the revitalization of many communities. We have seen this over the last 10 years here in Phoenixville. The purchase of 225 Bridge will bring us closer to expanding our programming and will certainly enhance the streetscape of downtown Phoenixville. These RACP grants are a wonderful vehicle for revitalizing communities.”

For more information contact Senator Dinniman’s District Office at (610) 692-2112, or e-mail dvymazal@pasenate.com.