Grant & Loan Awards: Terrell County
Terrell County
Equity Fund: $500,000
Awarded: 05/21/2004
Applicant: Dawson, Downtown Development Authority of
Description:
Equity funds to assist with the renovations of two buildings located in the historic downtown district that will be converted into a 180-seat dinner theater that includes kitchen facilities, dressing rooms, actor's studio and gallery with meeting rooms. The City is partnering with the Better Hometown Task Force, who will oversee day-to-day operations of the theater. The theater has built a strong regional following with its dinner theater productions over the last five years and is seen as a complimentary attraction to Swamp Gravy productions in Miller County. Swamp Gravy's initial budget in 1991 was $2,000; its current budget exceeds $2.1 million. The Main Street Theatre has outgrown its current facility, and a larger theater is expected to promote regional tourism, increase job creation and retention, educational enhancements, add to the tax base and strengthen the overall economy.
Total Budgeted Project Cost: $816,911