Elizabethton council approves architectural firm for Bonnie Kate restoration
Published 10:19 am Friday, November 11, 2022
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
BY ROBERT SORRELL
Elizabethton Star
Elizabethton City Council members on Thursday approved an agreement between the city and a Kingsport architectural firm to oversee renovations at the historic Bonnie Kate Theater.
The board unanimously supported the contract for $51,000 between Cain, Rash, West Architects and the city regarding architectural services and construction management.
Council members previously approved a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and matching funds from the city for $236,736. The total amount of the grant was $736,736.
The funds will be used for various renovations of the historic Bonnie Kate, which is located on South Sycamore Street in downtown Elizabethton. The theater originally opened in 1926.
In recent years, the community has worked to restore the old theater.
“Everything is going to be inside the theater,” said Councilman Jeff Treadway, who described what would be repaired at Thursday’s council meeting.
Treadway said repairs and restoration work will be done on the ceilings, walls, floors, seats and sound system.
Another architectural firm, Thomas Weems Architect, was approved Thursday to work with the Elizabethton Electric Department on a roof project. According to the agreement, Thomas Weems Architect of Johnson City will oversee a roof replacement project at an electric department warehouse. The firm will be paid 6.5% of the total costs for the repairs.
Council members also learned briefly about sand volleyball courts that may be installed near Elizabethton High School. The courts will be used by high school students, as well as the public, according to Parks and Recreation Director Mike Mains.
“There’s a lot of excitement for it,” said Mains, who said much work still needs to be done.
The director told council members that surrounding communities, such as Johnson City, already have sand volleyball courts. He said the city’s courts could be used for tournaments and other events.
Mayor Curt Alexander signed three proclamations Thursday, including one recognizing the Elizabethton High School band. The band has received several accolades in recent months. The band was recognized as the state champion at the 2022 Tennessee Division II State Marching Band Championship earlier this month.
Former Milligan College Coach Duard Walker was also recognized for his contributions to the school and the community. Alexander identified today as Duard Walker Day in Elizabethton.
