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Theater guild envisions flair for square
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - May 21, 2009)
Theater guild envisions flair for square
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild is hoping to uncover a "gem" that lies within a former plumbing business and bring an arts center to the City of Chardon.
Guild President Andrew Wyatt went before City Council with preliminary plans for the renovation of the building at 106 Water St. (Route 6) for use as an arts center. He said the building would fit in with the city's historic architecture with a "little artistic flair."
He asked council to use its imagination as he described what the city could be transformed into with the introduction of arts programs. Mr. Wyatt described a sculpture-teaching seniors in the new log cabin, a folk rock band playing in the background, a local gallery presenting an artist's watercolors and a choreographer teaching dance in the new arts center. He said it's all against the background of a square filled with people socializing.
He said it's something that's been missing from Chardon for a long time.
"This is the power of art in a community," Mr. Wyatt said. "It is a vision that is driving a collaborative effort to make Chardon Square the center of Geauga County's vibrant artistic community."
He said he would take the plans to the city's planning commission this week. After approval, he said, the guild will begin the work of looking at the logistics and funding for the project.
He said the guild has improved its finances with increased revenues in the past year. But Mr. Wyatt said the guild is still trying to recover from financial problems of the past. "We're still not doing the greatest," he said.
Mr. Wyatt said he's confident that the funding could be raised if the guild does the proper promotion for the center.
The first-floor entrance of the new building will feature a dance studio in the front, along with a space for a lobby-gallery.
He said two new bathrooms are planned for the building. He said the guild has applied to Geauga County for a grant to allow for the American with Disabilities Act requirements to be met in those bathrooms.
He said a back rehearsal hall is planned for the rear of the building. Upstairs, he said, classrooms and storage space are planned.
"My vision for the place is to make it cutting edge," Mr. Wyatt said. "When you walk in the place it's not going to be something that you typically see in Chardon. I'd like it to be that way on the outside too."
Councilwoman Deborah Reiter said she only has a concern that the city could set a precedent with other city-owned rental properties. In those cases, she said, renters are restricted in what they can do in changing their buildings. She said renters need approval to even change the color of paint in their spaces.
Law Director James Gillette said all renovations would require council's approval before work could begin. If the guild were to vacate the building, he said, all renovations and fixtures would become the property of the city.
Councilman Philip King said he could not imagine that what the guild is planning could be harmful to the building.
Mrs. Reiter agreed but said she's only concerned with setting a precedent.
Mr. King said the city provides a two-year lease to the guild for the building at a cost of $1 and utilities. That lease is due to expire in July and he invited Mr. Wyatt to return in June to discuss what type of future arrangement the guild would want.
Mr. Wyatt said he wanted a "simple and long-term" arrangement. He said the long-term aspect is needed to allow for fund-raising.
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