Sigh...
You know what's missing from Scott Nagel's latest announcement? An end date. As in, "this big shot anonymous donor will give us a matching donation of $75,000 if we raise that same amount by (insert date here)." This is a pretty standard thing to have in place, so I have to wonder...
Also, Nagel is claiming to have $85,000 in "pledges" from 144 donors. Okay. But first of all, "pledges" aren't actually money - not yet, anyway. Will all the pledges bear fruit? I have to wonder...
And if you do the math, $85,000 divided by 144 donors gives you an average donation - an average, mind you - of something just shy of $600 each. That's a pretty high average, especially for a small, economically depressed town that has historically been hostile to the arts. Given all the demographic and economic facts we know about Port Angeles, this too makes me wonder...
Needless to say, I also wonder who this high rolling anonymous donor is - if they really exist. Anyone have any ideas? Has your movie-loving neighbor suddenly taken on a second mortgage? Is wealthy Californian transplant Tom Harper putting his money where his crooked mouth is? Is this Richard Stephens' foot in the door to Hollywood stardom? What gives? Or, actually, who gives? Or is it all just another figment from Scott Nagel's overactive imagination?
(Oh, and what are the plans to pay for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs that come after the - theoretical - purchase? Or is that too reality-based to matter?)
Just got off the phone with a friend in Port Angeles, and I brought the Lincoln Theater up. They had heard something interesting. They've heard that the "anonymous donor" is, in fact, the owner of the Lincoln Theater, who is willing to cut the price by a third, if Nagel can get the other two-thirds in place. Otherwise, their (justifiable) fear is that the building will never, ever move, so the thinking is it's better to get something, rather than nothing.
ReplyDeleteI can't vouch for the accuracy of this, but it makes a certain amount of sense. But I'm sure others can provide some more information.
Apparently, no good deed goes unpunished in Port Angeles. Here is someone who is attempting to do something positive and meaningful for the community and all this blog is capable of is ridicule.
ReplyDeleteNo, all this blog does, unlike the PDN and KONP, is ask questions, and take an informed skeptical view of all things Clallam County. If you've lived here for a bit, you realize this is a smart perspective to have. This place is crawling with conmen and crooks.
DeleteSkeptics, when they are wrong, are pleasantly surprised.
DeleteGullible people, when they are wrong, risk having their hopes dashed, at least a little.
Now, you tell me: Which does Port Angeles need more of - pleasant surprises, or dashed hopes? Seems to me that dashed hopes are a staple crop in Port Angeles, so a little skepticism is probably a very healthy thing.
Yes. It would be one thing if these people were open enough to offer prospective investors and the community real numbers, so everyone could realistically evaluate what they were committing themselves to.
DeleteIt is one thing to be skeptical about a new movie. If you're pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as bad as you feared, great. If it is worse than you expected, no major problem.
But, look at the history of Port Angeles. Think of all the similar proposals that literally millions of dollars from the community has been spent on, with no results. Think about Harbor Works.
Harbor Works spent big money to do market research. Remember the results? After surveying professionals in the residential, retail, commercial and industrial development sectors, ALL said they were not interested in investing in Port Angeles. We paid for the professional analysis, we got the results, but we don't want to believe what they found out and told us.
It isn't so much about "skepticism", as it is acknowledging reality. Those that think these proposals are not viable base their views on facts repeatedly revealed by various independent professionals.
After much study, Harbor Works said Port Angeles isn't viable. After much research, NOAA said Port Angeles isn't viable. After years of actual business here, all those airlines said Port Angeles isn't viable. That is a lot more than "a little skepticism".
These other folks are just in denial. Wanting things to be different than they really are, and supporting the same kind of fantasies that have gotten "us" nowhere but broke.
It is wise to be skeptical of a proposal where the one doing the proposing won't say if or how much of his own money he's willing to invest in this. I would love to see the Lincoln open again and showing movies as the closure means downtown PA doesn't get my monthly economic boost that it used to get when I would do some shopping and grab dinner before the movie. Going to Deer Park isn't the same as there's no shopping and really no selection of casual dining options nearby. But I would be remiss if I didn't question and ultimately steer clear of this particular proposal.
DeleteLet's also be clear about one thing here. Scott Nagel isn't doing all this out of the goodness of his heart, or for the good of the community. He wants the Lincoln to be a non-profit, and one he will GET PAID to run. He is trying to create a job for himself using other people's money. If people want to (literally) buy into that, fine. But let's not confuse things. Nagel wants a salary out of all this.
DeleteWell, if he (or someone else) does a good job what's the damn problem?
DeletePerhaps one might look at the applicants resume before hiring them.
DeleteAfter all these years, the Crab fest still doesn't turn a profit. He still requires public funding for the event.
Does that sound like a "good job"?
I certainly understand peoples skepticism and that is proper and welcome, but on the other hand, if people don't try to do something positive, where will be be in the future? Many good local people are putting in hundreds of hours, including myself, to make this dream happen. I started this process because a town that hopes to succeed cannot have a dark theatre in its downtown core. So with my background of 40 years in the arts and my work with Dan Maguire, Karen Hanan, and others we decided to make a go of it. And we know from research that small towns all over the country have done this and made it work. So this is not a new and untried model -- it has been done many times before. Yes, I will expect to get a job eventually, but the main motivation is my love of Port Angeles and my desire to see it grow and prosper. And I already have more than 600 volunteer hours in this that will not be repaid. The organization will be managed by a new nonprofit organization and the creation of the board will be a public process.
DeleteAnd if we want to grow and prosper we need a community where the arts are also an important part of our life. This will be a community arts center with programs for everyone - from music, theatre, and films for children, families, and arts lovers.
Nonprofit organizations do not make money. All require funding from grants, memberships, and other fundraising activities. That is the world we sign onto when we dedicate ourselves to nonprofit work. I do Crabfest mostly for the love of seeing people have a great time, and while I get paid a small fee, most of my time is volunteered. Nobody gets rich doing this work!
The reason our donation level is so high an average is that the "Founders" program starts at $1,000 and we have lots of those along with $20 donations. It all helps.
The challenge anonymous donor is someone who knows the local arts, politics, and business scene of PA, so we would not expect this to be the theatre owners. We had to go through an intense "grant" process (through an intermediary-Jim Hallet) to get the pledge. This person has reviewed all of the detailed documents (which will be updated on the website next week). This person has great faith in the project. So lets match it and move onto phase 2 which is the renovation. The total renovation is estimated at approximately $750,000 (until we buy the building and have actual plans, this is an estimate that has been vetted by local contractors) You can see preliminary drawings on our website. Once we own the building we will be eligible for private and government grants, and you would be surprised at how many opportunities there are. We want to be as transparent as possible so your comments will help us with the updates we are doing this week for the website and in the future. Call my cell at 360-808-3940 or email lightupthelincoln@gmail.com if your would like to chat. Check out our website at the end of the week for more updates - www.revitalizeportangeles.org.
Thanks, Scott Nagel
Dan Maguire: Ran the Y well into the red, then retired, then unretired to run the JFFA, which mainly involves booking the same performers year after year. (After year after year.)
DeleteKaren Hanan: What DOES she actually do, anyway? I know she started the JFFA way back when, but what does she DO now? I know she "works" for her little arts group - but they never seem to DO anything, put on any events, etc. I suspect it's a sham organization meant to do one thing - get grants to pay the salary of "arts advocate" Karen Hanan.
Grants: They are competitive, and there are lots of projects - and communities - out there that are further along, more organized, and more attractive to grantors. Counting on future grants to fund things is perhaps THE one thing that has gotten the City of Port Angeles into the trouble it's in.
But, by all means, do carry on.
Scott, I can't help but notice you use language and go to great pains not to say that this "anonymous donor" is NOT the owner of the theater. By not denying that it is, in fact, the owner of the theater who is offering a reduced price as a "match," you only fuel the speculation that this "anonymous donor" is, in fact, the owner of the Lincoln.
DeleteBecause, let's face it, Scott...If your little daisy chain arts group doesn't buy that white elephant, who will? It has pretty much ZERO resale value, except to suckers - er, investors - you can find.
Business as usual in Port Angeles/Clallam County. All the following come courtesy of the PDN today.
ReplyDeleteOn the County level: "The agenda item refers to spending down “excess” general fund reserves."
On the City level: "It will consider appointing Orville Campbell to the Clallam County Economic Development Council. Campbell, a former deputy mayor was the lone applicant. Approval will be on the consent agenda."
From the business community/Chamber of Commerce: "Monday’s program will discuss Clallam County economic development strategy. Featured speakers will be Jim Hallett, one of the three Port of Port Angeles commissioners, and Jim McEntire, one of the three Clallam County commissioners."
The same old, same old tired faces cycling around and around, as the community continues to go down and down the drain. Orville Campbell? Really? He's one of the worst of the good old boys, he's ancient, he's behind the times, and...he's the only applicant.
What does the PDN offer? "Putting together a speakers list? PDN speakers available to address clubs, organizations and other gatherings."
Heck, what does Mother Nature think of Clallam County? "Sparse snowpack in Olympics close to worst in America’s West."
I don't necessarily believe in curses, but living here and seeing what goes on, sure makes me wonder. Here's hoping my house sells this summer so I can get out.
To appoint someone as old as Orville Campbell to a position that's supposed to focus on future economic development is crazy. All Orville knows is resource extraction. That's it, period. His gaze only sees backward, not forward. It's crazy and pathetic and obvious.
DeleteAh, but he WAS the only applicant, so the younger generations aren't off the hook. They are complicit in their own decline, facilitating decisions that provide no choices, and allowing the decision makers to get off the hook for their foolish moves.
You mean the younger generation who moved to better economic climes first chance they got? That generation?
DeleteSilly earthling, all they want at EDC are extraction advocates. Didn't you know? The EDC will stymie any other efforts at economic development until there is not a single tree standing in or outside the park. Then they may open their thinking to new and clean and, dare I say, Green business plans. Let these knuckle draggers have their way and watch what happens. They will implode on their own lack of ideas. Stick a fork in the EDC--it's done.
DeleteLet's remember it was Orville Campbell who lead the infamous "Harbor Works" fiasco, that envisioned high end car dealerships down in the shadows of Cutlers' Tank o Crap!
DeleteSee? That is the kind of forward vision this community needs. People can't afford their utility bills, are taxed to the limits, but these visionaries see us all rushing down to the former Rayonier site to buy that Rolls or Lambo we've always wanted.
These guys are SO in tune with "economic development" that they think retail stores want to be hidden from public view down in a dark waterfront canyon, next to the city's sewage treatment plant.
Why didn't anybody else apply? Really, why bother? With the brain-dead visions and approaches these people have, what halfway smart person would want to waste their time being a minority voice with the likes of McEntire, et al?
All along, Hallett and Nagel acknowledged, there have been skeptics and observers with negative attitudes. “There are always going to be people who say, 'This won't work,'” Hallett said.
ReplyDeleteSigh. No, I'm not saying so much "this won't work" as "do you even have a plan to make this work?" Big difference.
It's similar to the tram. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered about that. But show off some Powerpoint slides of a tram and everyone goes ga-ga. Oh yes, this is what we need! Now! Except I think those slides are from Ketchikan, and Ketchikan isn't Port Angeles. Anyone who asks legitimate questions shows a lack of progress and is a bunch of NIMBY whiners. (Yeah, except the slides show underdeveloped land but the Port Angeles tram will have to literally be placed in people's backyards to... Oh, there I go again...)
Likewise, throw out a sketch by Gentry, talk about how this will become "a seminal moment of success" and there we are.
I'm all for people who dream big, but at some point you have to stop, draw up some plans, evaluate your situation and then get your hands dirty. I'm not convinced this is being approached correctly.
On the other hand, whatever. It's not my money being pledged and I'm not out anything if this falls through. Hope it works out, best of luck to you.
This is not similar to the tram at all. We have successful models from all over the country where a small town has saved a 500 seat theatre that was closed because of the cost of upgrading projectors and turned into a community arts center for the entire community. There is nothing new about this project, we are applying all the lessons learned in other communities - including the Lincoln Theatre in Mt Vernon!
DeleteMt. Vernon population: 31,743
DeletePort Angeles population: 19,090
Skagit County population: 120,000
Clallam County population: 71,000
Median household income in Skagit County: $42,381
Median household income in Clallam County: $36,449
Skagit County: 11% of population below the poverty line.
Clallam County population: 12.5% of population below the poverty line.
Skagit County also includes Anacortes (pop. 15,928) and Sedro-Woolley (pop. 10,636). Clallam County has no comparably sixed cities.
Mt. Vernon and Skagit County are also close to King County, Seattle, Tacoma, and I-5. Clallam County is very, very remote.
Skagit County has three County Commissioners, two of whom are Democrats. Clallam County has three Republican Commissioners.
So, what lessons have you learned, Scott? Really, I'd be interested to know how these two VERY different places stack up vis-Ã -vis the Lincoln Theater (Port Angeles Chapter).
Scott?
DeleteIt looks like it to CK about fifteen minutes online to essentially demolish your comparison, Scott. That sure does make it look like you're talking without first engaging your brain, or doing any real research. Port Angeles and Mt. Vernon is a clear case of comparing apples and asparagus. Not really even close. So..?
DeleteScott???
DeleteScott???
DeleteAs somebody stated previously, it seems one of the biggest problems (and there are many) in Port Angeles is the pattern of looking at things as you wish they were, instead of seeing things the way they are.
ReplyDeleteThe Lincoln theater thing is a bit like trying to buy a house you can't afford. You can stand on the sidewalk with your honey and go on and on about how perfect it is, how great the furniture will look in it, and all the other wonderful things you can imagine, BUT, if you can't even raise the money for the down payment after months of pleading with friends and family, how are you ever going to afford the usual costs from that point forward? If you have trouble raising the purchase price, how are you going to pay for food, utilities, car payment, etc, etc, etc?
In Port Angeles, we see this pattern screamingly loud. Look at those who post on this blog saying skeptics of Nagel, Williams and crew are negative Nellies. It doesn't bother these people that the proposals are outrageously, and seemingly intentionally skewed. Nagel presents no figures for costs after purchase for refurbishing, operating or staffing, but tells the public the facility will turn a profit within 3 years! Williams shows beautiful pictures carefully photo-shopped or crafted to eliminate showing ANY of the many houses and businesses his tram would pass over. And, casually suggests Federal legislation would be required to get National Park approval for any part of is project to be built in park lands.
Any sane person would have red caution flags flying all over the place with these proposals. Go to you financial adviser with these presentations, and see what they have to say. With such scant and skewed information, no credible person would invest a dime.
Here is a question. Why the deception? Why allow these concerns to continue to be aired, if the costs of reconstruction, operation and staffing exist for the Lincoln? Why doesn't Williams show us all the actual footprint of his tram proposal from downtown Port Angeles up to Hurricane Ridge, so all the existing properties underneath it can see exactly what he is proposing? How about computer generated pictures of the tram from the residential neighborhoods it is supposed to run over?
Why are these actual facts, figures and specifics so consistently absent in these proposals?
Seems these are the questions a real newspaper would ask before fawning all over this goofy idea. One of the first things they teach in journalism school, in case you don't already have it, is skepticism. If anyone at PDN has any skepticism they sure hide it well. The recent history of this place has been one scam right after another and not a peep of incredulity out of the PDN. Either they are in on the take or they are a sad excuse for a newspaper. Or both.
DeleteSo a) Nagel's got all the time in the world, because no one else wants the Lincoln, and b) the seller understands just fine that they could sit on that property till it crumbles.
ReplyDeleteSo, "deadline" is whatever the seller's willing to go along with. So is price. Wenatchee bought that building in '01 for $162K. Even if the high roller donor is actually Wenatchee, eating $75K is not too bad; on paper it's still about break even. I bet it looks hella better than paying taxes and insurance for nothing ever.
And c), it's a real good bet nobody else will come in here and do this (or anything else) with that building. Except us.
Nagel told revitalize that the estimates were reaching $700K to hire out all the stuff in their plans. The Lincoln was already a working theater a year ago, and all of it doesn't have to happen right away. And he said they would ask for donations of labor and materials. Compare to Paint the Town, which scrounged quite a damn bit. He has not yet touched internet crowdfunding, grants, or whatever PADA can come up with. Yeah it will take a lot of charity, no surprise there. But hey, they will have a place to hold fundraisers, and they will not have a deadline.
As for operating costs -- well if the old theater could make it, tell me why can't this? If the playhouse or the symphony can survive, why can't this? Any downtowner can pencil it up, the overhead's not that much.
Do a comparison to Juan de Fuca. From the website, they must be raising at least $77K off their top 37 sponsors this year, about $2100 each. Or look at Peninsula Home Fund, or OMC. Or the homes along the bluffs. This ain't the Dust Bowl.
This whole thing is 1/2 of 1% the size of Williams' alleged tram. And doesn't need an act of congress, or easements or permits from God knows what agencies. So what's doable, realistic, believable? I don't know why anyone is even comparing the two.
"And c), it's a real good bet nobody else will come in here and do this (or anything else) with that building. Except us."
DeleteObviously, as it has been for sale for how long now?
Just because nobody else wants it, doesn't mean that it is a good thing for "us" to get involved with.
One could, with good reason, argue the opposite. You know? Like, if nobody else wants to eat those really pretty bright red berries, maybe they know something you should pay attention to?
The reason I compared it to the tram isn't because of the scope of the project, but because of the lack of details. Your post is the first time I've seen anything approaching objective reality on this project. So thank you for that. I'm a little more confident in the project now. See how easy that was?
DeleteI've lived in towns with a community theater before and they've always seemed like a boon to the town. And I can see this theater getting some usage. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival sends a trope to Peninsula College at least once a year, this could be a venue for them. For that matter the College could hold "Rocky Horror" or "A Chorus Line" downtown. JFFA could hold concerts there. That Elwha tribute concert with Cake could have been there. And there are other theater tropes and musicians who travel, they could, potentially, go to a converted Lincoln.
But, see, the thing is I've lived in Port Angeles for too long. I've seen things like this come and go. Always a promise of making the town better before fizzling out. How many times have we "almost" had a convention center? Or anything at all on the Oak Street property? We were promised prosperity if we only spent God knows how much developing the Rayonier site. But those plans seemed, at best, unrealistic. Why spend so much developing land there when Port Angeles is riddled with empty lots that haven't been filled for decades? Always with the "build it and they will come" attitude... But no one is coming. How are we to know if the Lincoln isn't just another one of those?
And I hate that I've grown so cynical here. I hate it. I know Railroad Ave was an eyesore. I know tourists mentally compare the waterfront of Victoria to Port Angeles. How could you not? I know the walkway and the fake beaches will help, and may start retaining tourists again, a little bit more every year. But I still can't help be cynical. Year after year we've received promises and yet year after year all that happens is we get further into debt, the town's economy seems more shaky, the same political schemes seem to repeat, the outsider's view of this town gets a little worse, the income levels seem to diminish and, frankly, so does hope... for a lot of us.
I don't know, it's got to change at some point. Maybe we've hit bottom and we're starting to turn things around. I just see the same patterns repeating themselves, that's all.
Though beautifying a town for the inherent sake of beauty is a fine thing, the notion of beautifying Port Angeles to draw or retain tourists is pretty ridiculous. For one thing, we already have a reputation as an ugly little town on the edge of nowhere, and it would take a LOT of work and years to counteract that.
DeleteBut we aren't likely to have years, for two factors. One is external: Peak oil. Yes, gas prices aren't going to stay down, and in the near long-term, there's likely to be fairly massive shifts in behavior in regards to travel and road trips. People will travel less, and become much more selective when they do.
The other factor is very much internal: Dead wood. As in, the dead wood in charge here, the dead wood that floats around from leadership position to leadership position, making promises but never actually doing anything. Even if all the dead wood here got washed away tomorrow, well, they've all got kids and cronies just waiting to take their places. They will have to be actively displaced, and that will take time, certainly another fifteen or twenty years at least.
But Port Angeles is out of time. Out of young people. Out of culture. Out of real leaders. Out of the way. Out of touch. Towns are like people; some make it in life, and some end up drunks in the gutter, muttering about what could have been.
Tram ride, anyone? Or maybe a mag-lev shuttle ride around the Turd Tank? After the moving picture show downtown? I don't think so.
In reply to anonymous 8:49 pm.
DeleteYap, yap, blah, blah. You certainly sound like the loser in the gutter, muttering about what could have been. You sound like the saps who expect everyone else to risk, to do the work, to take the chance and then if it fails.....aha....your the smart one who said " I told ya so." Yap yap.
Go crawl back under your rock and wait for someone else to lift it off you.
You failed to consider all the new folks in town who can blast right through the crony circle and get things done--if only they will.
DeleteIn case you missed this, Anon 12:47 :
Delete"But, look at the history of Port Angeles. Think of all the similar proposals that literally millions of dollars from the community has been spent on, with no results. Think about Harbor Works.
Harbor Works spent big money to do market research. Remember the results? After surveying professionals in the residential, retail, commercial and industrial development sectors, ALL said they were not interested in investing in Port Angeles. We paid for the professional analysis, we got the results, but we don't want to believe what they found out and told us.
It isn't so much about "skepticism", as it is acknowledging reality. Those that think these proposals are not viable base their views on facts repeatedly revealed by various independent professionals.
After much study, Harbor Works said Port Angeles isn't viable. After much research, NOAA said Port Angeles isn't viable. After years of actual business here, all those airlines said Port Angeles isn't viable. That is a lot more than "a little skepticism".
Expect others to take the risk? How about warning others to be careful of scams? How about taking the information Nagel has provided the community to your financial adviser, and see what they say?
But, if you think investing in the Lincoln is so smart, hand over your money. I sure will not.
If you want to look at facts look at the places where it has worked. Of course there is no guarantee, but should not we try to do good for the community?
DeleteYes I agree with and understand the pessimism amongst many in our community. I have felt that way myself. That is why I think this will make a difference, and my studies of other theatres, my knowledge of the local community, and my 40 years in the arts convinces me that we will succeed. But we have to try!
The Lincoln Theater is still for sale.
DeleteIf you look at Tom Harper's blog today, you'll see him desperately trying to stay relevant - and failing.
ReplyDeleteHe's a pathetic wife beater, and who cares what he says or does?
DeleteHe fails in every way.
DeleteGreat way to keep your name in the paper--make it look like you're a "player."
ReplyDeleteThe biggest draw in PA? WalMart. I rest my case.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to "Save The Lincoln" project. http://www.revitalizeportangeles.org/light-up-the-lincoln.html . After reading this I am convinced it "seems" like a noble effort, however, there are many questions. First off, they state that there is no need for additional parking. I guess because no one goes downtown? And there will be plenty of space after street parking is exhausted to go to the "pay to park" places? They cite the upgrade factor. ADA ramps for the upstairs and Blue Ray for 1st run movies. After the 90 day period, of course. No need for roof improvements, at this point, they say. It says, "shop early or take an early dinner at one of the fine restaurants before a show:. Yes, you better shop early because no one is open after 5 or 6 pm and forget Sunday. No mention of getting senior home shuttles to and from for specific events. And lastly, what are they going to run as a draw for a movie? Another "re-colorized" version of Gone With The Wind? Next it would be silent movies and of course, they would need an antique pipe organ and player. Do they consider the demographics here? Not likely. There are a handful of wealthy retired semi-intellectuals here that comprise most of the cultural events. They go to the Symphony and some plays and attend seminars but for the vast majority the marketing of these "high-fallutin" events does not touch the average family either culturally, emotionally or financially. I have played in the Port Angeles Symphony and I do know who the audience is. And it ain't many people under 40. Also it is an all volunteer orchestra. No pay for musicians. You get what you pay for. That said, for a population of 18,000 to 22,000 depending on how they judge this, how do they expect this Lincoln Project to be a winner? Well, they have the crystal ball and we will see if it turns out well. I do hope it does but I have serious reservations. I also see some problems if a contemporary music group decides to rent and sell tickets. Such as a "rap or hip-hop" concert. Rent-A-Cops are either non-existent or in short demand and they would be needed. If not, then the PAPD is involved. My opinion. Basically I look at the building from the exterior and see nothing of architectural importance or uniqueness. As opposed to The Admiral Theater in Bremerton. But I guess purchase price and then another $150,000 to renovate? No one mentions the after cost after buying?
ReplyDeleteSomeone sent this blog to me, we always want to get the info out to as many people as possible at www.revitalizeportangeles.org. Also I put my personal cell phone out there for anyone to call with questions.
Delete1. Parking - This has always been a movie theatre and while the recent years have not been good for them just think about Twilight and the huge crowds for that. There is lots of parking downtown, some free and some paid.
1. Upgrades. This has always been a 2 stage process and that is in all of our documents. First we must own the building, that is $235,000. And actually there is no need for roof improvements right, now. We have had the building inspected thoroughly and know what must be fixed. Our budget for the renovation and to take us through that period has been reviewed by local contractors to make sure it is reasonable. We will be posting the revised renovation budget later this week as we have just finished final contractor review. It has been distributed to hundreds of people at many of our presentations. The renovation and startup budget is approximately $750,000. After we own the building then there are private and government grants and foundations plus a vigorous local campaign. This budget includes the building of a full proscenium stage, with an up to date stage system, lights, sound, and movie projection and sound system.
3. Shop early and stay late - Yes! This project is totally supported by the downtown association (which has new and reinvigorated leadership) which includes an allocation of $100,000 from the state B&O tax rebate program. This theatre will be a catalyst for our expanding downtown. And there are many projected day time uses as well.
4. Demographics and programs - The Lincoln Theatre will be a community arts center with a vibrant live arts and film program. This is not just for adults or elitist arts folks. There will be programs that appeal to everyone in Clallam County, from Saturday afternoon kids programs (both live and film), to theatre arts training programs and live children's entertainment, maybe even a church on Sunday. Take a look (some listings on our website) as what films and programs other similar theatres such as The Lincoln in Mt Vernon and The Rose in PT. And local groups will be booking concerts, from Juan deFuca Festival concerts to choral groups, and business meetings, and yes we hope to have someone produce a hip-hop concert. And our reach will be throughout Clallam County and into Jefferson County. We don't need to go to PT all the time for things that are not here, they will be here.
5. Films - So while we can't show the first run features that would compete with Deer Park, every movie is available on blue ray and we will have an advanced projector system so we can show any movie that is distributed.
6. The building - The building is definitely not the Admiral and there is no historic design. This helps tremendously with the cost of renovation. But we have an excellent architect, Michael Gentry, who amongst other things did the Elwha Cultural Center on first. We will make this into a beautiful and first class venue.
Finally, the key point is that this will be a community arts center for everyone, a nonprofit tax exempt organization with a vigorous board of directors. The success of the theatre will be determined by something very simple - it must serve the needs of all of our community. That is a great challenge for sure but very achievable and important to the future success of Port Angeles as a place to live and visit. Visit our website, (note new info will be up next week), email questions, comments or pledges to lightupthelincoln@gmail.com, or call me, Scott Nagel at 360-808-3940
Asking questions and good skepticism is important, especially considering the failure rate in PA. That is one of the reasons I took this on. We need to make progress and this is very "doable" as demonstrated by theatres in small towns around the country.
So thanks everyone, together we can make this a success and "Light Up The Lincoln.
Uh, Scott, it still costs money to show movies in a digital format. You still have to pay for the right to do so. Those rights can be spendy. Just so you know. There's no free lunch.
Delete