Special Section: Maine's Creative Economy

Creative community spotlight: Dover-Foxcroft's theatre project

Teaming Creative Economy with Downtown Revitalization

The renovation of a unique historical and architectural asset in downtown Dover-Foxcroft is helping to re-establish the "physical heart" in this northern Maine community


	The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1940's. Photo courtesy of The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts

The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts renovation project could have a positive impact beyond the immediate Dover-Foxcroft downtown area. "By teaming the Creative Economy concept with downtown revitalization, the Center Theatre renovation project is rebuilding Piscataquis County's local sense of pride and place," stated Rollin Thurlow, who has been involved with the project since its inception back in 1997, and is now the theatre group's board chair.

This project holds a multitude of benefits for a broad range of people. "It is not just patrons of the arts, local students and schools, or summer people who are excited about what a renovated Center Theatre in downtown Dover-Foxcroft means for the entire county," said Thurlow. "Economic developers, town selectmen, local businesses and state and federal legislators all see the huge potential of the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts to help revitalize and stimulate our struggling woods-based economy."


	The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts. Photo courtesy of The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts

The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts was built in 1941, after the Star Theater across the street burned down. The new theatre was constructed using a 1940's art deco style. According to Tracy S. Michaud Stutzman, co-chair of the project's capital campaign, the project recently received a $100,000 grant from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the campaign committee has already raised more than $800,000 of the $1.3 million needed to restore the theatre. The work includes a major renovation of the building, involving completely gutting and remodeling the interior, as well as installing new electrical service, plumbing, stage and dressing rooms. Additionally, the fire alarm and sprinkler system will be completely modernized, and the building will be brought up to current accessibility codes for people with disabilities.

Phase one of the renovation's three major phases has recently been completed. John Gordon is the architect and Nickerson & O'Day is the general contractor - both are from Bangor. In addition, the Charleston Correctional Facility has participated, supplying a crew of inmates to work at no cost to the nonprofit group. This has saved the project tens of thousands of dollars in demolition costs. This crew has also helped to construct a basement for the bathrooms. The crew is scheduled to do additional work during the later phases.

Stutzman believes that the Center Theatre will draw young people and families back to the region by offering arts programs that will enhance their quality of life. As a result, this region will become an even more compelling and interesting destination for visitors who have already come to enjoy the area's unmatched natural beauty. Please contact Tracy Stutzman at 207/564-0041 or tracy.stutzman@mail.maine.edu if you would like more information about Dover-Foxcroft's Center Theatre project.

Erika Bohlman is a marketing and communications professional with Mountain Counties Heritage, Inc.