7.1 Grant Appl Fox Theatre CITY OF SALINA
REQUEST FOR COMMISSION ACTION DATE TIME
2/14/94 4:~ P.M.
AGENDA SECTION: Development O~GINATING DEPARTMENT: APPROVED FOR
NO. 7 AGENDA:
NO. Roy Dudark
1 BY: BY:
Item
Consider submittal of a grant application for repair of the Fox
Theatre to the Kansas Historic Preservation Department under the
Heritage Trust Fund Program.
Background
The ~Kansas Historic Preservation Department has announced the
availability of funds for the improvement of historiiC~i~andmarks
under the Heritage Trust Fund~ Grant Program. The state! provides
80% of project costs with local entities responsible! for the
remaining 20%. An applicatiOn made in February 1993, under the
grant program was not chosen for funding duringl that grant
period. However, staff of the State Preservation office
encouraged the city to reevaluate the scope of Work pro~osed and
present an application during the 1994 grant period.
The proposed project which has been identified consists of the
repair of exterior masonry, storefront display areas, windows and
doors of the Fox Theatre along with necessary architectural plans
and specifications for such work. Planned work would be focused
on the most needed repair items necessary to stabilize the
structure and prevent any further deterioration. The grant
application amount requested has been increased to reflect the
work necessary to stabilize the deterioration of masonry on the
upper and lower towers and replace severely spalled brick where
necessary with matching brick units. The total estimated cost is
$75,000 with the cost to the city being $15,000. The Fox Theatre
storefront renovation budget in the 1994 CIP would be~ the source
of local funding. The project is more fully described in the
attached Heritage Trust Fund grant application which 'would be
submitted to the State Preservation Office.
The Salina Heritage Commission approved the proposed project and
matching grant request at their meeting on January 26.
COMMISSION AC~ON
MOTION BY SECOND BY
THAT:
CITY OF SALINA
REQUEST FOR COMMISSION ACTION DATE TIME
2/1.4/94 4:00 P.M.
AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: APPROVED FOR
NO. AGENDA:
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
NO. Roy Dudark
BY: BY:
Page 2
Recommended Action
If the City Commission wishes to pursue the grant, a motion
should be passed authorizing the City Manager to file the
application and sign related grant documents.
EncloSure
COMMISSION AC/~ON
MOTION BY SECOND BY .
THAT:
HERrrAGE TRU~'i' FUND GP. ANI' PROGRAM
I(ansas State HistoricaJ Society
Historic Preservation Office 120 West l~h Street Topeka, K~utsas 66612-129t ,(913} 296-7080
GRANT APPLICATION FORM
APPLICATION D DLINE - FEBRUARY 28, 1994.
Please read the Program Information and Application Instruction sections of the grants manual
before completing this application. Additional information concerning grant recipient
requirements is located in the Grant Recipient Information section of the grants manual.
A. APPUCANT City of Salina, Kansas
MailingAddress City-County Building, Room 205, 300 West Ash Street
Street Address/Box No.
Salina Saline KS 67402-0736 (913) 826-7260
City County State Zip Code Daytime Phone No.
B. CONTACT PERSON Roy Dudark, Director of Planning and CommunitY Development
Name Title
Address 300 W. Ash Street, Salina, KS 67402-0736 (913) 826-7260
Street City State Zip Code Daytime Phone No.
C. .APPLICANT STATUS
X Local Government Certified Local Government, !991
Not-for-profit Corporation
· Local or County Historical Society
For-profit Corporation
Individual
Other (explain) .
D. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND SUPPOFI'I'ING INFORMATION
Fox-Watson Theater Building: Stabilization Plans,
1. Project Title Specifications and Repair
2. Property Names Fox-Watson Theater Same
Common Historic
3. Project Location 153-163 South Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, KS Saline
Street City County
4. Legal Description:
The East 80' of Lot 133 and all of Lots 135 and 137, on Santa Fe Avenue,
Original Town of Salina, Saline County, Kansas
#'s 67, 69 &
5. Kansas House Dist. # . 7.1 Kansas Senate Dist. # 24 US Congress Dist.# 1
6. Grant Amount Requested $ 60,000.00 Total Project Cost $ 75? 000.00
C~ant Applir.,a~n Form. Page I of 10
HERITAGE TRUST FUND GRANT PROGRAM
Kansas State Historical Society
Histodc Preservation Office 120 West 10th Street Topeka, Kansas 66612-1291 (g13} 296-7080
E. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESOURCE
X National Register of Historic Places National Historic Landmark
X Register of Historic Kansas Places Propertywithin a historic district
1. If the property is listed as part of a district for which the nomination did not include
identification of contributing properties, attach a letter from the State Historic Preservation
Officer certifying that the property is a contributing property within the district.
2. The KHPO will attach copies of the property's nomination forms for review.
F. CURRENT CONDITIONS
1. a. Describethe cuffent use ofthe property.
Examp~: Reaidence. Store. Ubrary. Cb HaJI, Restaurant. Museum. Hay Barn. etc.
The Fox-Watson Theater remains a closed motion picture theater facility with a vacant
two-story office storefront along its principal facade on South Santa Fe Avenue.
b. Descdbethe proposed use ofthe property if different ~omabove.
The theater has been proposed for reuse as a community performing arts center and
the storefronts for retail and office use. Potential occupants include the Salina
Symphony and Salina Downtown, Inc., respectively.
2. Cond~ion Assessment
Deecribe how Re property came ~ be in ~ current physicaJ condWon. Inciuding major ~ter~ons
~ the property, previous rep~r pr~ects, on-going maintermnca acliv;lie,, and the caule. ~ prob~ms
whi~ wi# be eddre.~ed ~mugh Re pmpMed project. ~eaca give any reel(re, f(x why ~is important
~ fund ~l pmjec~ ~ ~s ~me.
The Fox-Watson Theater and its storefront office spaces have been vacant since the
closure of the facility by the Dickinson Theater Corporation in September of 1987.
All interior furnishings and mechanical equipment remain at the site with the
exception of film projection equipment. Very little maintenance was performed on
the structure between its closure and the time its ownership was taken by the City
in February 1989. When the City acquired the building, water was pooling on roof
areas, damaging parapets and allowing water into the auditorium, lobbies and
storefront office areas.
On taking ownership of the property the steam distribution and plumbing lines were
drained and the building secured. A new roof was installed on the structure in 1990~
as well as replacement of flashings and roof drainage system. Workers with the
City General Services Department made periodic inspections of the site and performed
various minor repairs and maintenance activities including some window replacement
and winterization.
Considerable damage has occurred as a result of previous roof leaks to the interior
finishes and furnishings. Moisture migration at the parapet masonry and other
locations has spalled and exfoliated brick and mortar. Most seriously affected are
the upper and lower tower tiers at the principal facade and spalling of a masonry
coating applied to auditorium exterior walls during the 1980's. This has increased
each year. Exterior doors and windows have sustained the most damage, allowing
moisture, cold air and condensation within the structure. This has hastened the
deterioration of interior ornamental finishes and interior structural elements.
Measures are presently required to prevent ongoing substantial damage and loss of
historic material resulting from weather action and disuse.
Grant Application Form - Page 2 of 10
HERITAGE TRUST FUND GRANT PROGRAM
Kansas State Hi~odc~ $o~ety
Hi~odc Preservation Office 120 We~ 10th Street Toeekal Kansas 66612-1291 i(913) 296-7080
G. APPMCANT INFORMATION
1. ~ Has the applicant previously received financi~ assistance ~om KHPO?
y yes no
b. Has the property received previous financiN assi~ance from the State or
Feder~ Government for pr~e~s or programs related to hiMofic presen/ation?
yes X no
c. If the answer to either H. 1. ~ or b. is yes, describe project, name of funding
program, amount, date, and ~pe of award.
The City of Salina completed an Urban Study Unit, Salina's Historic Resources Inven-
tories, during 1983 and. 1984 with matching funds awarded of $10,150 under the His-
toric Preservation Grant Program. A Regional Commissions Conference was co-sponsored
in Salina, September 1993 with matching funds of $1,480 under the same grant program.
2. Funding Profile and Hi~ory
Brie~ d~be the extent and nature of funding source~ for the ~oject The d~on must
address, attemp~ ~ secure funds ~om oth~ sour~., past expenditur~ made by the app~cant ~ward
the pr~erv~on ~ ~e property, and how grant/uncls will enable pres~on wo~ ~ proceecl that
could n~ otherwi~ be ~mplished ~ the app#cant. Please bm .pe~= abo~ how mueh money
i~ ev~lable ~r the project at the Ume of ~e epplioaflon.
During [989, the owner of the Fox-~a~son, Dickinson Theater Corporation offered the
City of Saline ownership of the property. The Sa]ina Chamber of Commerce and repro-
sentatives of ~he Saline Symphony organization developed and submitted feasibi]ity
studies and proposals for rehabilitation of the facility as a community ~performing
arts center utilizing a nonprofit organiza[ion, organized to acquire donations and
support to offset construction and operating costs to be shared with the City. A
task force of City staff and design professionals reviewed their findings and
recommendations and the City accepted ownership of the property until development
of the property would be made financially feasible. Options identified by these
groups are still being pursued with cooperation of the Downtown Saline Incorporated
office.
The City of Saline rep]aced the roof of the facility in June [990 at a cost of
$50,000 as a measure to preserve the architectural integrity until a deve]oper could
be identified. Since then periodic inspections have been made by members of the
City General Services Division who have provided minor repair and maintenance as
required. The City maintains hazard insurance on the property at a cost of some
$3,0~annua]]y. An application was made during 1993, under the Heritage Trust Fund
grant program, to accomplish minor repair and stabilization of the exterior in the
hope of attracting a developer. The pro~ect was not chosen for funding ~hat period.
The City is not aware of any other sources for funding the planned stabilization and
repair so no other attempts have been made to secure funds from other entities. The
City has limited funds available for repair of public buildings. Because of such
limitations available dollars must be prioritized with occupied and highly utilized
buildings receiving greater allocation than vacant unutilized facilities. The City
does have available a sum of $[5,000 ~o match the proposed 9rant~ and the sum has
been reserved in the 1994 Capital [mprovemen~ Program. public buildings fund to
accomplish urgently needed repair of key architecture] features of the structure.
Funding of the proposed pro~ect would allow repair to halt further deterioration of
exterior elements and interior finishes and furnishings by moisture infiltration
around doors, windows and masonry. ~ithout the grant very ]itt]e stabilization
work could be done on the building in the near future.
C~ant Applica~on Form - Page 3 of 10
HERITAGE TRUST' FUND GRANT PROGRAM
Kansas State Hi~odcaJ Society
Hi~odc Preservation Office 120 We~ 10th Street Topeka, Kansas 66612-1291 , (913) ~J6-7080
G. APPMCANT INFORMATION, continued
3. Applicant and Project Pemonnel
D~cribe ~ ab~ ~ the appUoant ~ aci~ni~ter the grant and com~m ff~e prc~:med project. F~
mganizmtior~. Wa would inetude r~evmnt inform~ion such m a bhef organizational ~to~. da~:dption
app#cant can complete N project. Do n~ name consultants, p~. ~ contractors m project
pemonnel. Instead. describe what pos~ons and qualif~atio~ such individuals must pos~ ~ help
comple~ ~e project.
The City of Salina is very capable of completing the proposed projec~ an~d admini-
stering the gran~. In the past, the City has successfully completed ten,ovation
of other city-o~ned structures, including [he Smoky Hills Nuseum, a National
Eegister s~ructure firs~ constructed as a Federal Pos~ Office; ~he conversion
of the old Saline County Courthouse in[o the Leisure Years Center and the
renovation of the Nemor~al Rall, which has become the location of offices and
studios of the Community Access Talavision station.
City staff are experienced in the administration of grants, having implemented
several Housing and Urban Development, Kansas Department of Transportation and
EDA grant programs during recent years. In addition, the City was awarded a
grant by ~he Kansas State Historical Society in [983 which resulted in an Urban
$~udy Unit, the Salina Historic Eesources Inventories and the awarding of ma~ching
funds to co-sponsor the Historic Preservation Commissions Conference which
held in Salina September [0 and [[, [993.
City personnel involved in the project will include the Director of Planning and
Community Development, ~r. Eoy Dudark and Associate Planner, John Burger.
Dudark has served as Director of Planning in Sa]ina since [986. He has ~orked
as a professional urban planner for the pas~ [6 years in Salina and other city
planning departments in both Kansas and Georgia. He has a Nasters Degree in
Eegional and City Planning from the University of Oklahoma and a Nas~ers Degree
in Public Administration from Georgia Southern University. Nr. Dudark
review all gran~ material, future contracts and correspondence relating to the
~eritage Trust Fund grant during the course of the proposed project.
3ohn Burger, Associate Planner, will serve as project administrator for the pro-
posed project. Nr. Burger has served as s~aff architectural historian for the
Department of P~anning 3 years and was employed by ~he Permits and Inspection
Department of Salina an additional year ~here he reviewed construction permit
applications for building code and city ordinance compliance. He is a graduate
of Kansas Sta~e University ~i~h a Bachelor of Architecture degree, and has
~orked in architectural firms for 8 years on various commercial projects. He
was las~ employed in a design firm which specialized in the conversion and
rehabilitation of s~ructures in Kansas City. ~issouri's Eiver Narket and ~armen~
Districts. He ~ill coordinate the solicitation, selection and documentation
of project professional consultant and contractor/vendors ~ith K~PO staff,
observing all standards outlined in the Heritage Trus~ Fund Gran~ ~anual for
successful completion of the proposed project.
The professional consultan~ of the project will be selected from those applicants
who meet the suitable qualifications required fo~ the project. The consultant
will have specific experience, staff and expertise and performance references
adaquate for preparation and administration of construction documents. Contractor/
vendors will be required to have demonstrated experience'in their fields and
rehabilitation of historic s~ructures and ability to execute timely performance
in projects of this nature. The professional consultant, city planning s~aff and
members of City Permit and Inspection Departments will revie~ all work to be
consisten~ with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Eehabilition.
~antAp~cationFon~.Pag®4 ~10
HERITAGE' TRUST FUND GRANT PROGRAM
Kansas State Hi~odc~ Society
Ni~odc Pre~_.~vation Office 120 We~ loth ~treet Topeka. Kan$_-~_ 66612-1291 ¢913) 296-7080
N. PRESERVATION PLANNING INFORMATION
1. Basis for Project Propos~ :
Deer.#ibe how WI project was planned, including the use M any c~zmuttant. ~ pubir.~ian, you may
In response to interest expressed by two groups of prospective tenants in the
redevelopment of the Fox Theater, the City and the Salina Downtown offices requested
a survey and condition assessment of the facility from the State Historic Preserva-
tion Department. Mr. Desmond Anyanwu visited the site in January, 1992 and provided
a report dated February 5, 1992, which detailed areas and features of the structure
that were in most need of repair to maintain the integrity of the structure. Ms.
Barbara Anderson conducted a site visit in conjunction with the 1993 HTF grant
application. Her report focused on elements the City should prioritize in
stabilization repair of the exterior. In addition, a licensed architect and masonry
contractor were consulted in evaluating necessary work and cost estimates for the
proposed improvement of the structure. Representatives of the Salina Symphony are
currently working with an architectural consultant in preparing a proposal and
feasibility study to be presented to members of City staff during March, 1993.
2. M~ntenance Plan
De~ribe your plans f~ maintaining the property after the grant project is compleX. The d~ption
eh~uld include an insp~lio~maintenance echeel~e ~ a e~ur~ ~ funds f~ future maintenance
Upon completion of proposed stabilization work request in this grant application,
maintenance workers with the City General Services Department will conduct periodic
inspections of the facility and any required maintenance on an as needed basis.
This is now being done with other City owned propertiessuch as the Smoky Hill
Huseum and Memorial Hall building.
Site inspections will be scheduled and conducted monthly, involving 2-4 hours work.
Exterior facades, roof system drainage, electrical system, sewer systems, windows
doorways and their weatherstripping will be monitored to preserve the integrity
of the building and its furnishings.
The City has available a budget of $[00,000 set aside for building and facility
maintenance. This account provides for needed improvements, and repair of specific
buildings and is part of the capital budget for the City to fund public improve-
ments and construction. Prior to the beginning of each year existing programs
and service levels within the community are evaluated by the City Commission.
Once services are determined these levels are established and cost estimates
a~e evaluated to determine availability. ~ork necessary to maintain the Fox
Theater facility in such a way consistent with attracting potential users will
be allocated from that fund. These funds will be maintained throughout ownership
of the facility by the City. It is anticipated that the City will remain owner
of the property for the foreseeable future.
The City is also currently reviewing the possibility of renovating vacant store-
front spaces of the facility as a means of providing revenue for additional
maintenance and improvement for the structure. Prospective tenants could include
the Downtown, [nc. offices as well as other retail or office purposes.
C~'ant Applicat~n Fo~n -.Page 5 of lO
HERITAGE TRUST FUND GRANT PROGRAM
Kansas State Hi~odcai Society
Hi~odc Preservation Office 1~0 West 10th Street Topeka, Kans~__~ 66612-1291 . (913} 296-7080
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1. Project Summary .'
Project AgrNrnent ami .hould dem:~be wo~ itmmiz~l in 'd'm wo~ plan on the toilowir~
This grant request is seeking matching funds to stabilize exterior architectural
features of the Fox-Watson Theater. Construction measures would focus on the
most immediately needed work to prevent substantial increasing deterioration of
historic elements and characteristics of the structure.
The proposed project would include the solicitation and selection of an archi-
tectural consultant to prepare working drawings and specifications and the bidding
by contractors and vendors to accomplish the stabilization. The project profes-
sional will be selected according to the standards outlined in the Heritage Trust
Fund Grant Manual, and would prepare construction documents, work-cost breakdown
and conduct site supervision during proposed construction. All construction
documents would be submitted to the KHPO for review. Contractors and vendors
would be solicited and selected using standards outlined in the Grant Manual.
Documentation of selection would be provided the KHPO.
Construction measures would include the repair and replacement of spalled and
damaged masonry units comprising the main box office tower to halt ongoing water
penetration into masonry and about terra cotta units. Masonry would be removed
and reconstructed with matching material and mortar, terra cotta panels would
be removed as necessary to accomplish the work and replaced. Masonry which
is exhibiting some movement would be anchored as required to prevent additional
separation and joints weatherProofed. Additional masonry and terra cotta along
the office/retail and box office cornices would be repointed as required to
prevent further erosion.
Original wood double-hung windows at the second floor of storefront and box office
areas, would be cleaned, repaired and painted. Hardware, glass and glazing would
be replaced as necessary. Wood sills and frame members would be removed and
replaced with new material. Joints and surrounding masonry would be weather-
proofed and sealed. Interior masonry damaged around window openings would be
repaired and windows weatherstripped if possible.
Display areas of the storefront office/retail spaces would be cleaned and repaired
at the principal facade. Window glass would be replaced where damaged and frames
would be repaired and sealed. Suitablelprimer and finish paint would duplicate
original conditions.
Main entrance doors of wood and glass at the box office and upper storefront entries
would be cleaned and repaired. Hardware and glass would be replaced where necessary
and doors weatherstripped. Refinishing would match original treatments. Wood
exit doors at the south and east facades of the auditorium would be cleaned and
refinished. Door hardware and framing would be inspected and repaired and made
weathertight.
Metal doors along the east facade would be repaired or replaced. Weatherstripping
would be applied and surrounding masonry and sill would be repointed to prevent
water from entering interior spaces. Appropriate sealant and sill will be pro-
vided to prevent passage of cold air. Steel wi.ndows of the main tower and the
third floor projection areas will be cleaned, repaired and repainted. Broken
glass, glazing and hardware will be replaced. Other areas of spelling masonry
at the east facade will be cleaned and reconstructed as necessary to prevent
additional damage.
Gram ~pp~c~i~n Form. Page 6 of lO
HERITAGE TRUST FUND GRANT PROGRAM
Kansas State Hi=odc~ So~ety
Hi~odc Preservation O~ce 120 We~ 10th Street Topeka, Kansas 66612-1291 ~ (913) 296-7080
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION, continued
2. Work Plan, Schedule, and Co~ Estimate ' ..
Itemiz~ the project summmy ~ include Ipecitic stol the~ sequence and a ~me 8~e. Provide
a cost e~timate f~ each itmnizld line itern ~ work. The sched~® should inctude activid~ sUch
the ~odi~ta~on ~ st~ent~ ~ qu~iflcatio~, the selection ~ cc~mu~tan~ and project profe~Onals,
mvi~ ~ cormtn~ction d~uments by b~e KHPO, 8~t~ion of b~s, end the wo~ planned for each
stage of constru~on, ff ~e proposed project enc~passes work on
~ plan, s~ecl~e, and cost ~mate should be provided ~r each stn~cture. If needed, add~onal
~ORK PLAN pa;# m~ ~...~.d. SCHEDULE COST ESTZHATE
Project Professional Selection
1. Project A~reement si;ned, start of pro~ect. ~ul 1, 1994
~. Solicitation of professional consultant, request
for qualifications posted. ~ul 8
3. Deadline for submissions, evaluation of responses,
interviews, ran~ing and preliminary selection. Aug 8-Aug
4. Documentation of project professional selection
submitted for approval. Review, approval by KHP0. Aug l~-Sep 16, 1994
Preparation of Planninq Documents
1. Preparation of construction documents, work-cost $ 4,200
breakdown and compensation rate. Sep 19-Nov 14, 1994
2. Planning Bocuments submitted for review to KNP0 Nov 14
3. Review by KNP0, approval or revision as necessary Nov 21-Dec Z6, 1994
Solicitation of Contractor(s)/Vendor(s)
1. Advertisement of notice sent to KHP0 for review. Jan 2, 1995
2. Notice to bidders advertised. Jan 16
3. Deadline for submissions of bids Feb 20
4. Preliminary selection, provision of insurance and
performance bonds. Mar 15
5. Contractor selection, notification sent to KHPO,
review by KHPO, approval or modification. Mar 15-Apr 15, 1995
Construction Phase (Prioritized numerically) Apr 21-Jul 31,1995
1. Masonry repair or replacement at tower; anchorage of tower masonry;
repointing of masonry and terra cotta along cornice and at doorways ...... $ 40,000
2. Cleaning, repair and refinishing of wood windows at second floor ......... $ 2,400
3. Cleaning, repair and refinishing of office/retail storefronts ............ $ 3,000
4. Cleaning, repair, weatherization of wood auditorium exit doors at
South and 'East facades, box office entrance and North storefront exit .... $ 3,200
5. Cleaning, repair and waterproofing of East metal auditorium exit doors...$ 2,400
6. Cleaning repair and refinishing of metal window systems at tower
and third floor projection areas ......................................... $ 2,400
7. Cleaning and patching masonry.and concrete along foundation line ......... $ 900
8. Miscellaneous weatherization and painting ................................ $ 1,500
Construction Contingency Allowance ....................................... $ 15~000
Project Completion $ 75,000
1. Requests filed for reimbursement, completion report Aug 26, 1995
GRAND TOTAL $ 75,00,0.00
Grant At~ptication Form o Page 7 of 10
HERITAGE TRUSTFUND GRANT PROGRAM
Kansas State HistoricaJ Society
Historic Preservafl0rl Office 120 West 10th Street Topeka, Kansas 66612-1291 i(913} 296-7080
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION, continued
3. a. Give the name and telephone number of the person(s) who created the cost
estimates. Check more than one if applicable.
X Architect Warren Ediger, AIA, Bucher Willis & Ratliff (913) 827-3603
Engineer
X Contractor Michael Gedney; Mason Contractors (913} 82~-0365
~Other (specify) ,
b. Basis for determining costs.
rough estimate of square footage costs
X detailed cost estimates
J. COMMUNITY BENEFIT
1. Educafion~ PotentiN
It is in~ortant that the local community is aww® ~ the I~nilican~® ~ ~to~ properlim in Karla~
the IX)pollJnitim prlmented by the Heritage ~t ~nd ~ ~e ownerl ~ ~ltmk: pmperfi~, arid ~
pr~enmaon eclivifi~ in genera. F~ ~l reeeon, a de4~iption ~ ~uea~n po~rWaJ Ih(x~d include
any pul~ pregramming, i.e, p~M¢ meeb~l, workaho~, mum. pubMcati~n~, etc.. that ~M ree~ tram
~a pmje~ Only IctMaM that mM ~cut during the pMiod M the grant IhouJd.be memiened in thil
Since the acquisition of the Fox Theater in 1990 members of City staff and the Saline
Downtown offices have conducted public tours to sustain public interest- A public
tour and panel discussion held in ~une ].991 featured discussion of the rehabilitation
of the property between design professionals and preservation experts. Public aware-
ness will remain a strong component in any effort to bring the landmark back to
utility. Similar events held in conduction with the Smoky Hill Museum: Saline Art
Center and the newly formed Community Access Television studios have the potential
of involving local public school and nearby university students throughout the period
of construction. This has been done with Kansas State University architecture
students in design and those students who attended the Preservation Conference held
in Saline. Other appropriate functions could involve local citizens in a cleanup day-
2. PotentiN Benefit to the Community
may exptain how the ixe~iYIdan M the ~ m~N serve ~ fOllM m grMi~ epprecWtiari for
hillMk: ewm~. for a gmup'i hMitlge M CU#utl. M inw OlhM Way cCx~ibute W the commun#y'$
Public sentiment has always been strong for the preservation of the Fox-Watson
structure and its return to reuse. A study of community cultural resources was
undertaken by consultants from the Wolf Organization Inc.. of Cambridge. Massachusetts,
for the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission. A variety of recommendations concer-
ning cultural facilities and their management stated the Fox Theater should be brought
back to use for touring and other performing arts events now that the Marymount Fine
Arts Building is purchased by the Kansas Highway Patrol and unavailable for these
and local events. This was also adopted in the !993 Salina Comprehensive Plan.
Preservation of the facility would preserve the manner in which citizens associate
with their past, when the theater was widely visited as one Salina's premiere
attractions from throughout the region. Its preservation would also allow an
understanding of a cultural time when these motion picture palaces exhibited these
architectural characteristics no longer constructed or reproduced in present facilities.
Finally, preservation would support efforts by the Salina Symphony to convert the
theater into a performance halt for not only their musical events but other per-
forming arts events.