Norwalk Theatre restoration campaign nears $9M mark

NORWALK — A historic downtown landmark is moving closer to new life as Norwalk Arts Center continues its campaign to restore the former Norwalk Theatre. The project received another boost through Ohio's capital budget bill, which includes $600,000 for the Norwalk Theatre restoration. State Rep. Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk, announced the funding last week after voting in support of Senate Bill 450, the state's two-year capital improvements budget. The state money is only one piece of a much larger effort to restore the theater. Norwalk Arts Center said its campaign to restore the theater has reached nearly $9 million in committed, pledged and awarded support. The full restoration is estimated at $13 million, meaning the campaign has reached about 67% of its goal. The project would restore the historic theater into a professional performance venue, arts education hub, community gathering space and permanent home for Norwalk Arts Center. Norwalk Arts Center is preparing to launch the public phase of the campaign this summer, inviting residents, businesses, families and civic groups to help close the remaining funding gap. Part of the state capital budget Deeter's office said the capital budget bill includes nearly $4 billion for state and community projects across Ohio, including just over $200 million for local community projects. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the capital budget bill on Monday. Other Huron County projects include $200,000 for the Artists' Open Studio Facility, $100,000 for the Willard Veterans Park Memorial and $90,000 for an ADA restroom in North Fairfield Village Park. "I am pleased to see several important Huron County projects included in the state's capital budget," Deeter said. "These investments strengthen our communities, improve local infrastructure, expand recreational opportunities and support economic development throughout the county." Norwalk Arts Center officials said the theater funding adds to a broader capital strategy that includes private donations, major gifts, historic preservation tax credits and previous state support. A larger restoration effort The Norwalk Theatre opened in 1941 and has been one of Norwalk's most recognizable buildings. Norwalk Arts Center purchased the theater in 2019 with the goal of restoring it as a regional center for performing arts, arts education and community events. The building was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. Some major work has already been completed. The theater's roof and decking project was completed in 2021 through private donations. The marquee restoration was completed in summer 2024, funded through public and private money, including a previous $250,000 Ohio capital improvements budget award. Norwalk Arts Center has said the marquee is the largest of its kind in Ohio. The next major work is expected to move deeper inside the building, including heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing systems. Those improvements are needed before the building can reopen to the public. Public campaign coming this summer Norwalk Arts Center said the public portion of its fundraising campaign is expected to launch this summer. The launch is planned to coincide with the Norwalk Theatre's 85th Anniversary Celebration on Aug. 13, marking 85 years to the day since the theater first opened its doors. Dina Lukasko, executive director of Norwalk Arts Center, said the support of the private phase of the campaign has shown how much the project means to the community. "Throughout the private phase of this campaign, the response has been humbling," Lukasko said. "Once people hear the vision for this theatre and what it means for Norwalk economically and culturally, they want to be part of it." Lukasko also thanked state officials for supporting the project. "They have been an internal part of our capital funding strategy and we cannot wait to welcome them through those doors opening night," Lukasko said. Once completed, the restored theater is expected to host live entertainment, movies, arts education programs and community events. Norwalk Arts Center officials have described the project as more than a building restoration. The goal is to preserve a historic downtown landmark while creating a year-round destination that can support the arts and bring people downtown and strengthen the local economy.