Press Release

Restoration Council Meeting

Date:12/12/11

COLDWATER, MI—

Coldwater City Council approved the construction contract for Tibbits façade restoration project at its Monday, December 12 meeting, advancing the project another step closer to a start date.

The City of Coldwater applied for and received a Federal Scenic Byways grant on behalf of the Tibbits Opera House in the amount of $500,000. The grant award from the Federal Highway Administration is administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and funds must be received by a governmental agency on behalf of the nonprofit. Tibbits Opera Foundation is responsible for all funding beyond the grant award. The City Council approved the contract language which next gets submitted to MDOT for final approval.

The council was concerned with liability or risk to the City but City Attorney John Hutchinson drafted the addendum which clarifies the financial responsibility of the Tibbits Opera Foundation. Total contract cost is $948,050 with Tibbits providing to the City $448,050 and the grant covering the balance. Any additional costs are the responsibility of Tibbits.

The construction contract covers restoration of the façade including the mansard roof complete with the ‘B’ and the ‘T’ of founder, Barton S. Tibbits’ monogram; cleaning, repairing or replacement of the brick; and restoration or replacement of the windows, doors, decorative elements and architectural metalwork. It also includes a simplified cornice, the band of decorative metal which provides the visual transition between the cupola and brick face of the building.

Because the project is historic preservation, part of the preparation process included approval of the construction documents by the State Historic Preservation Office. Further the bidding process required contractors be certified in historic preservation. Owens-Ames-Kimball Company and Grand River Builders both out of Grand Rapids have been contracted to do the work. Both firms specialize in historic restoration. The preliminary time frame for the façade completion is 6 months.

With approval of the contract, work could begin yet this month. Work can proceed through the winter months by fully scaffolding the front of the theatre and shrink-wrapping it for protection. The theatre will remain open throughout the work. Meanwhile, fundraising continues in order to add to the detail and complete everything on the exterior.

Two major elements have yet to be funded. The first and the priority is the entry terrace which will extend across the front of the building and includes the ramp removal and rebuilding of the stairs. Engraved pavers, currently on sale, will leave a lasting impression on the terrace and could cover the $75,000 cost if all are sold.

The second piece yet to be funded is the balcony above the main theatre doors. Decorative yet functional, it includes down lighting for the entry and up lighting for the façade. Gifts and pledges are still being sought to cover the $80,000 cost.

Other contingency elements include two 3-foot lights mounted on sculptures of ladies for the balcony corners, light boxes built on the interior to provide lighted upper windows and repainting of the Tibbits Opera House sign that identifies the building for US-12 traffic. These elements would cost a total of $38,000.

For more information on the restoration project or to make a gift, call Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org.