Senator Theatre Operators: Improvements Coming Soon

The operators of the Senator Theatre placed an announcement on their Facebook page Wednesday regarding the status of the rehab of the landmark.

According to the announcement, the operators have building permits from the city in hand, and have hired A.R. Marani Inc. to build the additional theaters.

James “Buzz” Cusack and his daughter Kathleen Lyon took over the operations of the theater about a year and half ago. They intend to restore the main theater auditorium, and add three new screens to the building.

The cost of the project is expected to be about $3 million. According to the note posted on the Facebook page, the Cusacks will now make a $900,000 investment in the rehab of the theater. Much of the project's costs are being paid for with city and state loans as well as historic tax credits.  

The note also addresses criticism regarding the condition of the historic art deco theater’s marquee. The operators say the entire roof on the building needs to be replaced. But until the roof is replaced water running above the marquee will continue to cause the lights to go out.

Recently a group called Friends of the Senator launched an urging the Cusacks to take better care of the theater and began collecting photos of the marquee with its lights out.  

Click here to read the full note.

Clarification: The name of the builder working with the Senator's operators to add theaters to the building has been changed. The name of the company was posted wrong on the Facbook note announcing the changes.