‘Bold Investment in Future of La Grange’ Finalized
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Left to Right in front of the new theatre site: City Manager Jack Thompson , FCCT Executive Director Heather Barthelme, FCCT Operations Manager Melanie Lira, FCCT Board of Directors President Kristen Denham, Main Street Manager/Department of Community Development Supervisor Caleb Parks.
A new chapter in arts and culture is coming to La Grange. The La Grange Economic Development Corporation (LGEDC) and the Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT) are thrilled to announce plans to renovate 253 West Travis Street into a performing arts theater in the heart of downtown La Grange.
Slated to open in late 2026, the new theater will serve as a home base for FCCT after nearly nine years of rotating through multiple venues throughout Fayette County. Designed to host a range of performances, from classic plays and comedy shows, to film screenings, live concerts, and educational programs, the venue aims to enrich the cultural fabric of Fayette County while supporting economic growth and community engagement.
“This is more than a theater— it’s a bold investment in the future of La Grange,” said City Manager Jack Thompson. “By partnering with the Fayette County Community Theatre, we’re creating a destination that will inspire creativity, support local talent, and drive foot traffic to our historic downtown.”
The project aligns with the LGEDC’s mission to stimulate sustainable economic development and enhance the quality of life in La Grange. By offering performance and rehearsal space, the theater will also provide Fayette County Community Theatre with a permanent home to expand its productions and educational outreach.
“We are so excited to see this come to life,” said Heather Barthelme, Executive Director of FCCT. “Having a dedicated space to perform and grow will allow us to engage more deeply with our community and will enable us to shift our energy from juggling venues and technical details to what truly matters—delivering outstanding performances, arts education, and entertainment.”
The theater will be on the familiar southwest corner of Travis and Main Streets, in what many locals know as the Prause Meat Market Building. It will feature state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, flexible seating, and facilities designed for accessibility and inclusivity. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with additional details on design, naming, and fundraising to be announced in the coming months.
“We are deeply grateful for the support that has made this opportunity possible. As we commit to raising funds for the restoration of this historic space, we hope to be able to count on community support as well,” Barthelme said.
For more information on how to support this renovation or to get involved, please contact:
Heather Barthelme Executive Director, Fayette County Community Theatre Phone: 979-702-9368 Email: info@faycotheatre.
com Website: www.faycotheatre. com