After nearly 3 years of laborious construction, The Ohio Theatre Lima opens the curtain to the public for a special night!
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A Lima landmark undergoing a re-birth, celebrating nearly a century of entertainment on Thursday. The public, members of the local arts community, and more were on hand to sing happy birthday to Lima's Ohio Theatre.
Co-owner Michael Bouson spoke at the Lima Rotary Club on Monday, updating them about renovations and what is in store as they reopen the theater. The building is owned and operated by "Play with your Food LLC". The owners gave the company this name as they see eating and having a good time should go together. Plans include a piano bar, bakery, and dinner theater.
Speaking at the Chamber's “Real American Sunrise” event, he says it was the attraction of what Lima had to offer in the arts that attracted him to invest in the theatre. Places like ArtSpace, the Veterans Civic Center, and the symphony. He believes that this renewal of the downtown with so many social activity options will draw new industries and businesses to the area.
About half a dozen students in the construction equipment technology program using their masonry skills at the Ohio Theater. They were blocking up the windows as the window wells were filled in years ago. The students were glad to get the experience and the building’s owners are thankful for the help.
The 30 minute tours will give people a behind the scenes look at how the theatre is being transformed, and people will even be able to ask questions along the way.
The new owners of the Ohio Theatre in Lima have run into some renovation troubles, but that’s not stopping them from keeping the momentum going on the project.
While doing their cleaning of the theatre, the owners discovered what they're calling "hidden treasures". And those treasures will be up for sale this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A lot of historical items were found that might bring back nostalgia of the theatre's early days. You'll see some housewares, home décor and large furniture up for grabs. All the money will go towards emergency repairs of the theatre. The new owners have a plan for the theatre, but no renovations can begin until a critical piece is fixed.
Michael Bouson and Joe Correll are the new owners of the historic Ohio Theatre. The 20,000 square feet building was bought for $16,000, according to the auditor's website. The former reality television producers started their career’s in theatre. The idea for a dinner theatre came about when they returned to writing and producing two years ago.
"We’re like wow, we still got it!" exclaimed Bouson. "So, that kind of gave us the theatre bug again and we went on a year long search looking for a theatre to buy, renovate and reopen."