THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 2, 1995 TAG: 9507020048
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Longtime efforts to renovate the historic Attucks Theatre on Church Street reached an important milestone this week with the city agreeing to hire an architectural firm.
The Livas Group Architects of Norfolk was selected from five companies that submitted proposals, said Denise Christian, coordinator of the Attucks renovation project. A formal contract should be signed next week.
``We're on a pace for more progress,'' Christian said of the renovation campaign. She hopes renovation will begin in 1998 and be completed by 2000.
The city and a citizens advocacy committee, called the Crispus Attucks Cultural Center Inc., want to restore the now-empty landmark for fine and performing arts and educational programs.
The Attucks, built in 1919, was designed, constructed, financed and owned by African Americans. In its heyday it hosted Cab Calloway, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters and Dinah Washington.
The Livas company will work on the Attucks in stages, beginning with conceptual plans and some drawings that should be completed this fall. That initial architectural work will cost between $40,000 and $75,000, with the final price range still being negotiated, Christian said.
Later phases, at additional costs, will include more specific details to prepare for renovation contractors, she said.
Actual renovation and some additions in the rear stage area may cost $4 million, but estimates are far from complete.
``You don't know what they'll find. You never know with renovation projects in a building as old as that until they get under way,'' Christian said.
The Livas renderings will be publicly displayed this fall as part of a project awareness campaign. ``We're starting to discuss an event for showcasing them,'' Christian said.
Advocates still are laying plans for major fund raising, including seeking grants from foundations and philanthropies.
``There's still many things to do, but we are accomplishing them,'' Christian said.
``The city is pleased we are progressing.'' by CNB