From BBQ to Broadway: City Wants to Turn Prause’s Into Theatre

The La Grange Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is under contract to purchase the old Prause’s Meat Market along with the rest of the Von Rosenberg building on the southwest corner of the Courthouse Square.

If the deal goes through, EDC plans to renovate it into a theatre that will become the future home of Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT). EDC held a public hearing in Casino Hall Tuesday night, Feb. 18, to gather input on the proposed purchase.

“This is something we’ve been working with (FCCT) on,” said La Grange Main Street Manager Caleb Parks. “This is season nine for the community theatre. They started here in this building (Casino Hall). It was kind of a simultaneous outgrowing. COVID necessitated a new building for them. And they’ve been going from rotating venue to rotating venue. Part of this addresses them getting a more permanent home.”

Parks said the purchase would also benefit the downtown district.

“It helps us add things that are more entertainment based,” he said. “It helps us add more things that take place in the evening. Most of our businesses in downtown close at 5 p.m. We have no control over their hours, obviously, but we can do things that encourage them to stay open later.”

Parks said the average theatre attendee spends about $50 on food and drinks before or after performances.

“So if you’ve got something bringing people in multiple weekends a year, and they’re eating dinner beforehand, that’s a big boom to the area,” he said.

“It also helps us address the complaint we hear a lot, that there’s nothing to do for kids in this area,” Parks added.

Parks said FCCT would be responsible for much of the renovation costs.

“That would be a big task for them, but based on their response, they seem up to it,” he said.

CityManagerJackThompson said the property is under contract with the EDC for a price of $335,000. The parties are in a 90-day waiting period, during which time inspections and other due diligence will take place. Parks said the EDC does not yet know what the renovation costs will be.

“At this time, terms haven’t been worked out,” Thompson said. “But conceptually, EDC would own the building. There would be some kind of lease to (FCCT). (FCCT) would put a lot of money in themselves. The terms would reflect how much they put in. Eventually, what we would like to do is basically sell it to (FCCT) at some point in time, once they have the chance to absorb the cost of renovating it.

“It’s a really good opportunity for us to anchor downtown with a venue that brings people in on the evenings and weekends,” Thompson said. “It adds to the life and vibrancy of the downtown core. EDC is working hard to bring restaurants downtown and have more of a mix with retail. In order to do that, you need some traffic. (FCCT) has a track record. They have good turnout at their productions. So this could really bring an element to the downtown that we need.”

FCCT Executive Director Heather Barthelme said the Von Rosenberg Building is smaller than some of the other venues the group has rented for productions. But she said the building would allow them to run longer productions over multiple weekends, allowing more people to watch the plays. In addition, she said the facility could host comedians and live music when plays are not in production. Moreover, she said FCCT would like to install a screen to show movies from time to time.

EDC accepted comments but took no action Tuesday night. Parks said they’ll take up the topic again at their meeting next month.

In other business, EDC heard a presentation and request from La Grange I.S.D. concerning recent upgrades for their welding technology program. Last year, the EDC had provided the school with $55,317 to upgrade its welding facilities, including new welding booths, ventilation and welding stands. La Grange High School Principal John Pineda said the school completed those upgrades under budget at a cost $45,506.94.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the school asked EDC if it could use the leftover funds to purchase a new welding machine, which costs $10,605.82. Pineda said the school would cover the remaining balance of about $1,112. EDC board member John Eilert suggested covering the entire cost of the welder. The board agreed and approved the purchase unanimously.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting: La Grange Community and Economic Development Manager Emily Hudson gave an update on several ongoing projects:

• EDC finalized an agreement with 4K Einstein Learning Centers to lease EDC property at 901 Mode Ln. for a child daycare facility, with construction and interior work now underway.

• The EDC acquired property at 256 W. Colorado St. and selected LG Brewing Co. as the future tenant, with lease negotiations in progress.

• The EDC also acquired property at 226 N. Main St.; the previous tenant has vacated, and tours with potential restaurant tenants are now taking place.

Hudson reported that in January 2025, the EDC’s bank balance increased $59,008.56, bringing it to $2,589,534.70. Year to date revenue is up 6.54 percent. The EDC gets its money from a portion of the City’s sales tax receipts.