Note: The following release was provided by the City of Rockmart for publication. – KtE
The City of Rockmart has been selected to receive a $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The grant will be used to renovate The Rockmart Theatre and stimulate economic activity in the downtown area.
The Rockmart Theatre renovation project includes improvements to the exterior façade, lobby, and life safety systems. These items were prioritized by the City of Rockmart to stabilize the historic structure, improve the visual character of downtown, and ensure the safety of patrons and performers alike.
Specific exterior improvements include restoring the historic façade, improving the overall accessibility of the building, installing a new sign, and other general improvements. The proposed design is meant to return the building’s exterior to its original Art Deco style while incorporating modern elements that improve function, accessibility, and safety. Renovating the storefront will necessitate a redesign of the lobby space.
The City of Rockmart intends to take advantage of this redesign to make the lobby more inviting and functional for plays and other events.
“Renovation of The Rockmart Theatre is a key project in our downtown revitalization strategy,” explained City Manager Stacey Smith. “This project, combined with our renewed focus on programing at the theater, will usher in a new era of activity in downtown Rockmart that will stimulate business development in the area.”
Once renovations are complete, Rockmart will market the venue in an effort to bring outside performances to the area. The project will also allow existing programing, such as plays, summer theater camp, and musical performances to grow. This project will directly benefit the arts community, patrons, and tourists through improvements that will make the building more inviting, accessible, and safe.
However, theater renovations will also benefit downtown merchants, restaurants, and property owners by attracting additional patrons to the downtown area who will shop, eat, and spend at local businesses.
“I am excited about this project, which will both enhance downtown Rockmart and benefit our arts community,” said Mayor Sherman Ross. “This project will completely transform the gateway into downtown, and at the same time preserve this vital historic resource.”
Here’s the announcement letter from the ARC:
