Lansdowne Theatre Receives Grant For Restoration
LANSDOWNE, Pa. (CBS) -- There's an effort underway to bring new life to a long closed theater in Delaware County.
County Council this week presented a $126,000 grant to the Historic Lansdowne Theatre Corporation. It'll jump start a $9 million effort to restore the place to its glory days for not just movies, but live shows and concerts.
"It's gonna start with the marquee, which I think is important. We want to get that marquee back up in lights to send a message saying that this is going to be an open, vibrant theater once again," says Council Chairman Jack Whelan.
An electrical fire in 1987 closed the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its Hollywood Moorish-style of architecture reminiscent of the 1920s, when the place first opened.
It's believed that it will take upwards of two years to complete the project, although Whelan says some concerts could be held there sooner.
Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio
