News

OCP looks to raise $350K by May 1

By CHRISTINA GUENTHNER Argus-Press Staff Writer

Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:02 AM EST

OWOSSO - The Owosso Community Players is working to raise $350,000 by May 1.

“It's a challenge right now,” OCP Executive Director Linda Keenan said. “The economy right now makes things difficult.”

The money is needed to meet a condition in a grant offered to them by the city of Owosso that would help restore the Lebowsky Center. In order to receive the money for the grant, they have to be able to match it by May 1.

The money is part of a $1 million grant given to the Downtown Development Authority by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority as part of the Vibrant Small Cities Initiative.

According to Argus-Press archives, the process began in September 2007 when Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced the Michigan Vibrant Small Cities Initiative in an effort to increase the quality of life in several small cities in Michigan.

If they receive the grant money, the $700,000 would go toward enclosing the building and beginning work inside, but completing the entire project would cost about $3.5 million, Keenan said.

The OCP has plans to reconstruct the building into what will be called Shiawassee's Performing Arts Center.

In addition to the theater, the building will include seperate space for youth and adult theater classes.

“I would like to see the building totally rebuilt four years from now,” Keenan said.

They are actively pursuing grant opportunities to help earn money for the rebuilding campaign.

In addition to the grant from the city of Owosso, they received $10,000 from the Consumers Energy Foundation in December 2008.

The OCP is currently in its final week of performances of “The Wizard of Oz” at Owosso Middle School.

A portion of the proceeds from all tickets sales go toward the rebuilding fund.

“We're looking forward to (rebuilding), somewhere at the end of the rainbow,” Keenan said.

Those interested in contributing to the rebuilding campaign may contact Linda Keenan at (989) 723-1488, P.O. Box 606, Owosso, MI 48867.

Comment on this Story

Jim wrote on Feb 13, 2009 8:05 AM:

" Please do not lose sight of who built that building in the first place many years ago, Joseph Lebowsky, an immigrant Russian Jew who was a local farmer and brought not only the Capitol movie theatre to Owosso, but also the Center theatre building. The Lebowsky family also made a "most generous donation" to the community by transfering ownership to the OCP. A designated historical site, I would think that those in charge here would please reconsider "renaming this famous site", that totally eliminates the name Lebowsky. Mr. Lebowsky and his entire family are an intricate part of Owosso area history and I do not think it is right to simply "scrap their name" from the building name, it is a slap in the face to those of us senior residents that appreciate all of Mr. Lebowskys donations to our community. I wish you the very best in raising the monies needed, and with the economy being what it is, raising the money by May 1st will be a real challange. I will be sending a donation to the cause and hope others will do the same. keep up the great work you folks do so well with the OCP. "

Former Resident wrote on Feb 12, 2009 8:04 PM:

" Perhaps Mr. Hoddy will donate the money :-) "