Museum Center, Covedale center receive state capital funds

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission (OCFC) approved state capital funding for two local projects at its quarterly meeting last Thursday.

The Cincinnati Museum Center will receive $2.5 million for a restoration project that will open more of the local landmark for public and private use and address problems resulting from the building's age.

"The Museum Center is pleased to receive this funding from OCFC," says Chad Mertz, the center's director of public relations.  "Combined with other public and private resources, the funding will be used for restoration of the building's historic dining rooms and repairing associated roofing, masonry, windows, artwork and other interior and exterior structural components of the area."

The OCFC also awarded the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts $100,000 for a backstage construction and renovation project that will create 1,700 square feet of additional space, adding new mechanicals, dressing rooms and restrooms.

Cincinnati Landmark Productions has performed several phases of renovation on the property since acquiring it in 2002.

"We've managed to create a thriving live theatre out of a venerable neighborhood movie house, here at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts," says artistic director Tim Perrino.  "This funding, along with many other donors and grants, has ensured that we'll cap our long list of completed renovations and improvements with a building addition and renovation that will provide a practical backstage for our performers."

Construction documents for the project were delivered last week, and work could begin as soon as March.

Since 1988, the OCFC has disbursed more than $400 million in capital funds facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Sources: Chad Mertz, director of public relations, Cincinnati Museum Center; Tim Perrino, artistic director, Cincinnati Landmark Productions
Photography by Scott Beseler