Construction Contract Signed for New Theatre in Downtown LG
Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT) has reached a major milestone in its effort to establish a permanent home, signing a construction contract with Minarcik Construction Company to begin renovation of its theater at 253 W. Travis Street in downtown La Grange.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks, marking the transition of the long-planned project from vision to reality.
“We are excited to be part of a project that will have such a lasting impact on downtown La Grange and the Fayette County community,” said Allan Minarcik of Minarcik Construction Company. “We look forward to working with FCCT to transform this historic space into a theater the community can enjoy.”
Minarcik brings significant local experience to the project. The company has completed several notable projects in the area, including the Columbus Eye Associates facility and the Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter in La Grange.
The historic building will become the La Grange Broadway Theater, a permanent home for FCCT and a new performing arts and community gathering space in the heart of La Grange. Plans call for an intimate 80–90 seat theater, lobby and concession area, backstage and dressing spaces, technical areas, and storage for costumes, props, sets, and equipment.
“For years, FCCT has produced plays and other performance experiences, more than 50 this far, and brought our community together without ever having a place of our own,” said Heather Barthelme, FCCT Executive Director. “Signing this contract is an incredibly exciting step. We are no longer imagining what a permanent home could make possible. We are beginning to build it.”
Since its founding in 2016, FCCT has operated throughout Fayette County using more than 15 different rented venues. The new theater will allow the organization to expand theatrical productions, youth education, community programming, and additional entertainment opportunities while bringing its operations under one roof.
The organization has spent nearly a year laying the groundwork for this milestone, with architectural design by OPA Design Studio and a designated building fund established through the Greater Fayette Community Foundation. Minarcik Construction Company will serve as the general contractor for the renovation.
While construction represents a significant milestone, FCCT’s capital campaign continues, with funds still needed to complete and equip the theater. Community members, businesses, foundations, and supporters are invited to help bring the project across the finish line.
“This theater is being created for the entire community,” Barthelme said. “We have come a long way because people believe in what a permanent performing arts home can mean for Fayette County. Now we need our community’s help to finish what we’ve started.”
You can donate at: https:// faycofoundation.fcsuite.com/ erp/donate/create/fund?funit_ id=1858.
About Fayette County Community Theatre
Founded in 2016, Fayette County Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching, educating, and entertaining the community through high-quality theatrical productions, educational opportunities, and other performance experiences. The La Grange Broadway Theater will provide FCCT with its first permanent home.