“When?”
That’s the question lots of area residents are asking about Clark Theatre in downtown Andalusia. “When?” will the renovation be completed and the theater reopened.
Lucas Lumpkin, who is managing the project locally for Wyatt Sasser Construction, said he expects the work to take until late February. The once three-story building will now have two levels, with two theaters downstairs and one upstairs. On Wednesday, workers were painting the exterior, and indoors, sheetrock work was under way in the lobby.
Almost a year ago, Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson announced that the O’Neal family, who had owned the theater building on the square for decades, had donated the building to the city. In turn, the city negotiated a long-term lease with Clarke Theatres in which the city agreed to completely remodel the facility.
The timing of the renovations was coordinated with Mack Clarke, owner of Clarke Theatres, and in consideration of requests by movie distribution companies, Johnson said.
Friday, the mayor said it will likely be some time in March before the theater reopens.
The renovation includes adding new restrooms and moving the snack bar facility in the lobby, as well as the changes to the theaters.
It's being billed as the "blue jean banquet," and yes, you really can wear blue jeans.
"The theme for this banquet will be a wild west theme and our guests are encouraged to wear blue jeans and boots if they wish," executive director Chrissie Duffy said. "Of course, business attire will be fine, as well."
William "Billy" Canary, CEO of the Business Council of Alabama will be the keynote speaker for the 94th annual chamber banquet, and entertainment will be provided by Loop Rawlins, a wild west trick roper. The event is set for 5:30 p.m., Tues., Jan. 31, at the Kiwanis Community Center.
Part of South Three Notch Street will be closed to northbound traffic for the next several months as construction continues there.
"Starting Monday, we'll be moving into Phase 4 for the project," Daniel Wells of CDG Engineer said. "We will be closing the street to northbound traffic from Segar Street to the railroad tracks.
"With that, we'll be setting up a northbound traffic detour that routes traffic from Snowden to Church Street. That's for inbound traffic, from the bypass to the Square."
There will be one lane of traffic, in the center of the street, for southbound travelers, or those travelling from the Square toward the bypass, he said.
Wells said the traffic changes are expected to be in place for about the next six months.
Work began the first week of November on the first phase of construction, which widened the street from Simmons Street to Railroad Avenue. This phase also included installation of a new sanitary sewerage line in the center of the street.
Another phase included widening on the southbound side of the street, but did not interrupt traffic.
The completed project is expected to take approximately a year.
