Representatives from a leading architectural firm toured the Liberty Theatre on Monday as part of the renovation of the historic facility.
“We are here to take a look at the venue, to speak with the Board about the scope of work and to try to focus on the things that are most needed for the theater to function again,” said Gary Martinez, of OTJ Architects.
Martinez and Georgina Sperber also toured the nearby Prairie Acadian Cultural Center and met with the Association for the Liberty Theatre of Eunice Board members.
OTJ Architects, of Washington, D.C., is to develop a feasibility study for the Liberty Theatre project.
The OTJ team’s experience in over 200 Performing Arts Centers and over 500 renovation projects totaling over 25 million square feet and their proven capabilities in timely and economical project completions, will ensure that this first phase of the Liberty Theatre renovation will be in the hands of an experienced and highly qualified architectural firm, a news release from the Board stated.
OTJ’s expertise in the rehabilitation of historic structures in compliance with the nation’s highest historic preservation standards has been well documented and many of their projects have been developed under the aegis of The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Structures, the release stated They have also successfully worked with numerous clients in pursuing Historic Preservation and New Markets investment tax credits. OTJ’s staff is well versed in U.S. Department of Interior Preservation Briefs and sustainability certification with routine participation in continuing education programs, it continued.
Since its organization in 2020, the not for profit Association for the Liberty Theatre of Eunice has entered into a lease agreement for the Liberty Theatre with the City of Eunice. It has also completed a strategic plan that states the mission, values and goals that will lead the group in its revitalization of one of Louisiana’s most important cultural tourism assets.
Funds used for the Liberty Theatre Project will be garnered through donations and monies earmarked specifically for projects dealing with historic preservation and tourism and will not tap into funds that are dedicated local infrastructure or services, the news release stated.
The Liberty Theatre Project will complement the work being done on the adjacent. Liberty Building, which is privately funded by its owner.