Winnsboro, LA - Winnsboro’s Historic Princess Theatre Restoration

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on January 4, 2017 at 9:16 am

From myarklamiss.com: Winnsboro’s historic Princess Theatre is in need of some repairs that are estimated to cost over half a million dollars.

The theatre has been closed to the public since Septmeber due to safety concerns.

City officials say the theater was built in 1907, and after 100 years of entertainment and memories, the low sloping roof is too dangerous for community use.

The building already saw some repairs in October, on it’s air units and back rafters.

Now, the ceiling is sagging and the wood is about to give.

But the community is not willing to see their princess fall apart.

“It’s missed tremendously, and we are hoping and praying that we can come up with the funds to repair this building,” says Mayor Jackie Johnson.

“I can remember this building being here all my life. Coming here to picture shows when I was a kid, teenager, watching different shows here. It’s just memories,” says city superintendent, Phillip Robinson.

Attached are some photos of productions throughout years past.

The city council met earlier in December, deciding on the $520,000 estimate for the repairs, and hoping to get the ball rolling on roof reconstruction.

Officials say once the funds are in place, the restoration should only take about 2 months.

Story link: http://www.myarklamiss.com/news/local-news/winnsboros-historic-princess-theatre-restoration/634938552

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org