LAFAYETTE, IN — Six years after the city took ownership of the Lafayette Theater on Main Street, the building’s iconic marquee is expected to undergo a facelift.
City leaders and architect firm Cordogan Clark will go before the Historic Preservation Commission on Monday night to request permission to move forward with exterior renovations, according to the commission agenda.
The need for the commission’s approval stems from the theater’s position in the downtown historic district, Lafayette Economic Development Director Dennis Carson said. The building also has a facade easement with Indiana Landmarks, which maintains its own stipulations and regulations for renovations.
A large part of the project will be in upgrading the marquee signage to a digital display, which will be designed to resemble its current state, appearing like removable letters. While improving the building’s marquee, black tiles along the building’s exterior will also be repaired.
In total, the Lafayette Theater’s renovations will cost $1 million to $1.5 million, Carson said. Those costs are expected to be paid through the Consolidated Central Creasy Tax Increment Finance District through the Lafayette Redevelopment Commission.
After approval by the Historic Preservation Commission, the request will go to the Lafayette City Council for final approval. Carson said the project is expected to finish by March.
The Lafayette Historic Preservation Committee will meet on Monday at 7 p.m. in the Lafayette City Council Chambers, 20 N. Sixth St.
Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached via email at jellison@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette Theater marquee set for $1 million major restoration
Reporting by Jillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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By Jillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
