Walnut Theatre to Get New Roof

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 4:24 PM

Work can start inside once the new roof is installed.

File photo.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A big advancement in the revitalization of the Walnut Theatre is right around the corner.

Natalie Noppert tells Eagle Country 99.3 that BPS Movements has accepted a bid to replace the roof at the long dormant theatre. Natalie and her husband, Justin, purchased the Walnut in January 2023 and have a goal of reopening the doors in 2025, which is its 100th anniversary.

The first step to opening the doors is replacing the roof. Noppert says the current roof has suffered "significant damage" and appears to have been "patched for decades."

The roof replacement project is being funded through crowdsourcing and community donors. While the cost for the roof repair was not disclosed, BPS Movements launched a fundraiser last September with a goal of raising $300,000 to fund various renovations at the theatre.

Work on the new roof is expected to begin within the next four to six weeks. Once it is dried in, work can start inside.

Noppert says there are plans for community days, where interested individuals or groups can help with various tasks.

More fundraisers are in the works as well, including a "Put Your Name in Lights" sponsorship opportunity that would see donors get their name on the marquee. Funds from this particular fundraiser would be used to re-finish the original lettering used for the marquee.

A sponsor a chair fundraiser is also in the works.

Aside from fundraising, BPS Movements are seeking grants from local initiatives and from state funding - potentially through READI 2.0. Community members and organizations are welcome to give what they can too, at Raise the Roof! (givebutter.com). Further fundraising and grants could go a long way to funding project such as HVAC replacement, some redesign, modernizing the sound system, installing a green room, and potentially adding tables and chairs.

The vision is to create a performing arts space that is capable of hosting unique events such as open mic nights, improv, special screenings, and intimate musical performances.