First-term State Sen. Heather Cloud toured the Liberty Theatre on Monday and committed to assisting the city on renovating the downtown landmark.
“I’m so impressed with the city of Eunice, Mayor Scott, and the theatre association. They have a vision to renovate the building and get it back opened as soon as possible,” she stated in a news release.
“I’m committed to be a partner in this endeavor. The City of Eunice is committing its funds and the association is doing its part to raise money,” she stated.
Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot said it was the first time Cloud had been in the theater. She also learned about the nearby Jean Lafitte Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, he said.
“It was neat for her to explore and see what we have. She is on board with whatever we want to try to do,” he said.
In October, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson toured the Liberty and heard a program by Charles Seale about the history and renovation plans for the theater.
Seale is a member of the non-profit, Association for the Liberty Theatre of Eunice, that has partnered with the city to revive the theater first opened in 1924.
Since the 1980s, the theater has been the home to a Saturday evening music and cultural program. Falling attendance, maintenance problems and the COVID-19 interrupted the program.
“The Liberty group has really been doing a lot of work,” Fontenot said. “At least getting elected officials aware of the Liberty and different things. I think they are trying to secure funding from all avenues ...”
Cloud represents Senate District 28 that includes Eunice.
She was joined by District 41 State Rep. Phillip DeVillier, of Eunice in Monday’s tour.
During the October tour with Johnson, Seale said a four-year plan to bring the theater back to life may cost about $2.5 million.
The first priorities are heating and air conditioning and a fire suppression system, he said.
Fontenot said the renovation includes removing the awning at the building. He added the city would look to remove the facade covering the brick at the city library across from the theater.
The theater was originally revived when Curtis Joubert was mayor in an effort to spark tourism.
Cloud echoed that effort in her news release.
“There’s so much more here than just a historic building. This can be an economic driver that brings in visitors from all over and it won’t just benefit Eunice, but it will bring activity to the entire parish and surrounding areas. And that’s why I’m committed to partnering with them to help bring state resources to the Liberty Theatre,” she stated.
