Joyce and I had the privilege of visiting a gem of a theater in Bellefontaine on Thursday, the Holland Theatre. The building was named as a Heritage Ohio Top Opportunity in May at our annual conference, and part of our summer calendar is making an on-site visit to each Top Opportunity site. Our visits are tailored to the community’s needs, but we usually meet with stakeholders, learning about their accomplishments and needs, and connecting them to the resources that will assist them in their continuing revitalization efforts. Of course, sometimes it feels like our role is that of mediator for warring parties, but that’s a story and posting for another day.
After a tour and discussion, it was amazing to see what Logan County Landmark Preservation has accomplished since acquiring the building just a few short years ago. The organization is tackling rehab issues, one item at a time. Bathrooms have been completely remodeled and upgraded (and are now fully accessible), the roof has been repaired and made watertight, and a new HVAC system provides summer cooling (and soon, winter heating) allowing patrons to enjoy theater events in comfort. As the group continues to reverse non-historic changes, and restore its architectural beauty, entertainment options abound. The Glenn Miller Orchestra is playing at the Holland Theatre on Tuesday, August 18, at 7 pm and tickets are a bargain at $25 or 4 for $80.
If you get the chance to take in a show at the Holland, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed by the unique historic ornament that surrounds you. And if you believe that historic community theaters are critical to maintaining quality of life downtown, then I hope you will consider lending your assistance, as a volunteer, donor, or both, to a vibrant group doing their part to further downtown Bellefontaine’s revitalization.
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- Kris Swisher, president of Landmark County Landmark Preservation, confers with Joyce Barrett, executive director of Heritage Ohio, about potential funding sources to leverage local funding support.
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- The building had suffered through periods of neglect and insensitive development. After securing the roof from rain, Logan County Landmark Preservation, Inc., the building owner, shifted its focus to completing interior rehabilitation. Work will include restoration of the historic plaster, cast to resemble Dutch building exteriors.
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- The National Register-listed Holland Theatre features a stepped gable, unique in the Midwest but common in Flemish architecture. The interior of the building features a Dutch streetscape and is likely the only theater building like this in the entire country.
