Plans to renovate Houston’s historic Melba Theatre and another downtown property took a big step last week with completion of an application for state tax credits to help fund the projects.
Downtown Houston Inc. applied for state tax credits under the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. A decision is expected by July 1 on the request for $500,000 in state tax credits.
The more than 1 1/2-inch application offers detailed architectural sketches showing the interior and exterior of the Melba Theatre, as well as a plan for sustaining it once completed.
“This project has generated more excitement than any other endeavor the downtown group has undertaken,” said Kathy Richardson, vice president of the organization. “We’ve had numerous offers of help — volunteer and monetarily — since the plan was made public.”
More than two dozen support letters from governmental entities, organizations and state leaders are included with the application. Richardson said the group appreciated the efforts of Gary Gentry of Gentry Construction Inc. for his time developing the construction plan.
The organization has an option to purchase three pieces of property owned by the estate of Kathleen Fiquet. The tracts include the Melba, which was built in 1938, and property on each side of it. Once the social hub of the community, the theatre has stood empty since 1980. Several community organizations joined in the application to pledge their support and use of the building in several ways.
The same program was used to raise funds for the Lone Star Plaza in downtown Houston and the Houston Visitor’s Center.
Separately, project plans call for the development of an annex to the plaza, which calls for the addition of refrigeration, restrooms and storage for the Houston Farmers Market and space for the Friends of the Library, a support organization to the Houston branch of the Texas County Library. That property was donated to the downtown group recently by Barbara and Jack White. Sketches show a copper awning — similar to the nearby pavilion — that was previously in place at Texas County Memorial Hospital. The institution donated both to the organization.
Separately, Downtown Houston Inc. recently launched a fund-raising campaign. Donors can sponsor a seat with their name displayed on the back. Only 200 will be sold. The cost is $250 per seat.
“This project has generated more excitement than any other endeavor the downtown group has undertaken.”
A drive to raise money for the restoration of the Melba Theatre is under way.