News

OCP optimistic on Lebowsky

By MICHAEL PETERSON Argus-Press Staff Writer

Monday, October 19, 2009 10:02 AM EDT

Courtesy Photo The Owosso Community Players say the burned out Lebowsky Center, seen above, could have a roof by winter this year.

OWOSSO - More than two years after a fire gutted the Lebowsky Center, the Owosso Community Players are crossing their fingers, hoping the center will be enclosed this winter.

The OCP is pinning its hopes for completing that goal on its recent application for a Vibrant Small Cities Facade Grant through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, according to Cheryl Peterson, chair of the OCP's Rebuild Committee.

“We are working very closely with the city of Owosso on that part of the project,” Peterson said. “The application is pending, and we are waiting to hear from MSHDA.”

Peterson added the group is expecting the grant to be between $350,000 to $400,000, and said OCP believes it will get an answer within the next couple of weeks.

The Lebowsky Center, formerly the Capitol Theater, burned Feb. 14, 2007. Police say the blaze was an arson, although no one has been arrested or charged in connection with the fire. Since then, the burned-out brick and cement structure has stood empty at the corner of Main and Park streets.

Originally, OCP was hoping to reconstruct both the Lebowsky Center and the West Annex, but Peterson said the goal has narrowed.

“As we have refined the project, we feel that the priority is to rebuild the Lebowsky Center and that is the piece of the project we are focusing on,” Peterson said.

The grant's approval would mean constructing a new roof and enclosing the center from the elements. The OCP has said it remains committed to a full restoration of the center - which is projected to cost about $5 million.

The OCP has also recently partnered the Grand Rapids-based construction and design firm Bazzani Associates, which has previously worked to restore the Wealth Theater in Grand Rapids and also assisted on the Woodard Station project.

Officials at the firm say $3.5 million of the reconstruction costs could come from state and federal grants, as well as private tax credit financing. However, the remaining $1.5 million must be raised from donations and other local sources.

According to OCP Executive Director Linda Keenan, approximately $130,000 in pledges and cash has been accumulated towards the rebuilding project.

The city is also currently exploring the option of applying to have the downtown become a historic district, which Peterson said would allow the rebuilding project capture tax credits covering 25 percent of the rebuilding costs.

“I think (becoming a historic district) is very important as we look to creating an entertainment district within the downtown,” Peterson said. “And I think the theater would be one of the anchors of the entertainment district in our community.”

- Contact Michael Peterson at 725-5136 extension 223 or mpetersonarguspress@gmail.com. Post comments about this story online at www.argus-press.com.

Comment on this Story

Mikem wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:31 PM:

" I have been following this event with great interest ever since this tragic fire occurred a couple of years ago. I strongly hope that the members of the OCP and the city of Owasso will find some way to reconstruct this theater. I myself am a board member of a community theater organization (as well as house electrician, lighting designer, and sometime plumber), albeit quite some distance from Michigan (Wharton Texas), but know what a tremendous POSITIVE impact a venue such as the Lebowsky can have on a community. Our theater, although considerably smaller in physical size, offers much to our city, and members of the organization, as well as surrounding counties. We are supported by membership dues, grant writing, hotel/motel taxes, well-to-do benefactors, as well as admissions fees from many activites which range from plays, musicals, live concerts, to talent competitions, art displays and dance and music school recitals. There are actually very few days when our theater is "dark". The fact is that in our relatively short existance (not anywhere near as long as that of the OCP), our theater and organization has become a vital part of the culture for our area. Though I obviously cannot speak for the OCP, I do believe that their organization has a great deal to offer the city of Owosso, and probably a large surrounding area as well. I wish them all the luck and perserverance as they move forward. "

Ed wrote on Oct 22, 2009 10:41 AM:

" Why spend so much for so few. The fire was a inside job. What would stop the person from repeating. How about the Armory, also open air theatre at the Mitchell Pavillion. "

Mark wrote on Oct 22, 2009 10:22 AM:

" Just pay a proffesional to tell the city what would bring people back to the downtown....Owosso has what could be a great downtown, but it takes people spending money to change that. I'm not sure pooring money into a building that is not used that much is the way to go! "

agree wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:54 AM:

" I completely agree with "Joe Blow". "

one small voice wrote on Oct 21, 2009 11:29 PM:

" An "historic district" designation could be very advantageous to Owosso financially. And it makes sense; Owosso is known for it's beautifully large and maintained historic homes. Personally I think it would be wonderful if the Lebowsky Center could be preserved. Good luck ! "

KEITH wrote on Oct 21, 2009 4:42 PM:

" i say tear down the eyesore. "

tay wrote on Oct 21, 2009 2:29 PM:

" I think it is great that they are rebuilding. So much of history is lost when people like Gordon think it shouldn't be rebuilt. Shame on the people like that. If it isn't raising your taxes, why should you care? "

Joe Blow wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:53 PM:

" Years ago they had a hard time getting anybody to donate a can of paint. How can they raise 1.5 mil.? They were under insured. Who dropped the ball? If they have a 5 mil building, will they fully insure it? How can they afford the yearly upkeep and insurance? Profits from 4 or 5 plays? They can use the Owosso Jr. High building. The armory has a stage and the balconey that could be restored. Bottom line is they had a gem and did not protect it. "

shiataxpayer wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:29 PM:

" Why wasn't there actual replacement value insurance on the building and contents? "

Esther Williams wrote on Oct 20, 2009 8:22 PM:

" If a private home in Owosso was gutted by fire in the same manner as the Lebowsky, would the City fathers give the owner over TWO YEARS to raze or repair it?

I don't think so. Face it, the Lebowsky is an eyesore and a blight on this community. Tear it down. "

Anne wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:24 AM:

" "... as well as private tax credit financing. However, the remaining $1.5 million must be raised from donations and other local sources."

These are the same source. Grants will likely be perhaps 1.5 mil (probably less). Where, exactly, do they expect the other 2 mil from?

I wish it could be brought back also. I just don't see it as a viable or sensible use of taxpayer money. "

Donate it. wrote on Oct 20, 2009 8:22 AM:

" The entire downtown district should be donated to Baker Collage and Memorial Health Hospital.

They seem to be the only ones that can afford upgrades, repairs and maintenance on anything. "

L wrote on Oct 20, 2009 7:30 AM:

" It is my understanding that there was insurance, but because the market value of the building was very low, the amount was not enough to pay for anything more than the demolition. They are in a hard spot, but I admire their determination and support their effort to rebuild. "

Gordon wrote on Oct 20, 2009 12:07 AM:

" I think its ridiculous that they are trying to change downtown to a historic district in order to get the Lebowsky Center money to rebuild. How dare they try to use our hard earned tax money to rebuild a building that most of us don't even use?? If people really want the theater rebuilt, then that can willingly donate. They shouldn't be forcing us who don't use the building to pay for rebuilding. "

Jason wrote on Oct 19, 2009 7:14 PM:

" I hope they are able to re-build this piece of Owosso history. I appeared on that stage for the first time in 1995 and have fond memories of the building and people who called it home to there art form (me included). Best wishes for a full recovery!! "

Steve wrote on Oct 19, 2009 5:13 PM:

" Before money is committed to the rebuild, it would be good to see that they have the financial ability to maintain the building once completed. As a quick measurement, do they currently have an insurance policy in effect on the Lebowsky Center and the West Annex? Is the value of that policy at an appropriate amount? "

shiataxpayer wrote on Oct 19, 2009 4:01 PM:

" Was there insurance on the building and contents? "

Not very smart wrote on Oct 19, 2009 2:52 PM:

" Why was this building not insured? They had nice pretty box seats, but no insurance? Who dropped the ball on that? I'm tired of looking at it . Just tear it down already. Then we can have another nice parking lot, with fancy archways, pretty brick pathways, horrible Thursday evening bands, ugly painted planters, and another reason to milk the "down town" tit that is already dry. "

tim wrote on Oct 19, 2009 2:35 PM:

" gee, i wonder why know one was arrested yet if this was a arson. "