The City of Laredo plans to restore the Plaza Theatre, a 1946 post-war era structure, to its original glory, thus preserving a part of its history. The renovation process includes developing the property into a multipurpose performing arts center. Located in the heart of downtown, the Plaza Theatre’s renovation would generate activity that would further spur economic development in this area, as well. The City of Laredo seeks financial assistance to make this conceptual project a reality.

The Plaza Theatre, built in 1946, operated as a 1,586-seat theatre that featured first-run American films and served as one of downtown’s major attractions. With the hope of restoring this historic symbol of downtown and creating economic development opportunities for persons of low income, the City of Laredo acquired the theatre in 1999 with Community Development Block Grant funds. On November 13, 2001, the City Council approved funds to undertake a feasibility study. The firm of Killis Almond and Associates, Inc., in association with Architects Plus, Inc. and Janis A. Barlow & Associates was selected to conduct the study. The Plaza Theatre Renovation Committee was previously created to serve as a project/focus group to work in partnership with City staff and the project consultant to determine the feasibility of rehabilitating the Plaza Theatre as a venue for the live performing arts (theatre, music, and/or dance) and film. In brief, the study notes the following:

• The renovation of the Plaza Theatre will serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization; facilitate infrastructure for arts and entertainment; and promote activities for young people.
• Transition from movie theatre to performing arts center will require an expansion of the square footage of the site to include either additional square footage around the Plaza Theatre and/or through the addition of square footage below grade or on top of the existing building to accommodate storage, rehearsal, and administrative spaces and other support facilities.
• In order to serve the full spectrum of community needs and be operationally viable, the facility will need to be able to rent, present, exhibit and host a variety of programming.
• The total project cost is estimated to be $6.1 million. Conceptual design includes:
  • A main floor theatre at grade with seating for 890 persons.
  • All basic front-of house services including ticketing services, foyers, lounges and washrooms.
  • Restoration of the auditorium murals and reproduction where necessary.
  • Creation of control rooms and sound and lighting positions suitable for projections, sound mixing, and follow spots.
  • Accommodation for backstage functions.
  • The acquisition of off-site space to include a stage door security office, loading facilities, scenery, equipment and box handling, enhanced dressing room facilities, technical and administrative offices, an orchestra pit, and a rehearsal/small studio space.
  • Maintaining ownership in the public trust provides assurance of a long-term commitment to the community. A recommendation is being made that the operation of the theatre be overseen by a Board of Directors, assisted by an Advisory Council, and that facility management and operational functions be provided through a contract with the City of Laredo Civic Center so that oversight and control of city properties are centralized.

CDBG funds were previously used for asbestos abatement and roof reconstruction. HUD awarded the City $198,400 in Economic Development Initiative (EDI) funds in 2005 for the reparation of the Plaza Theater’s Marquee and Blade Sign. Reconstruction of the marquee and blade sign is ongoing.

The City of Laredo needs continued assistance in securing funding for the design and construction of improvements necessary in converting the historic Plaza Theatre into a performing arts center. Additional funding is also needed in order to acquire adjacent property to accommodate support facilities. The cost breakdown is as follows:

General Construction	$3,296,000
Furnishings	240,000
Special Construction/Purchase	773,000
Design/Engineering	646,350
Testing	86,180
Contingency	430,900
Acquisition of Adjacent Property	700,000
Total	$6,172,430

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• National Endowment for the Arts