FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2008
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
The King Arts Complex: Kay Wiebell – 614.645.0630; kwiebell@kingartscomplex.com
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves
$861,000 for King Arts Complex
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $861,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the King Arts Complex.
The King Arts Complex will undertake multiple exterior and interior improvements projects utilizing the state-appropriate capital improvement funds. Improvements in the Complex’s historic Pythian Theatre will include restoration of the stage, windows, doors, and plaster molding and columns. Other improvements at the Complex include upgrades to security, heating and lighting systems, and upgrades in the multipurpose room, including new flooring, wall and window treatments, and upgrades to the attached kitchen. The King Arts Complex will also create a “Walk of Legends” at its Amos H. Lynch Plaza. The Walk of Legends will pay tribute to Mr. Lynch, founder of the Columbus Post newspaper, and more than one hundred other influential members of the Columbus community. The Walk of Legends will include an engraved pathway, landscaping and sculptural elements.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows the King Arts Complex to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 562 of the 127th General Assembly. Franklin County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senators David Goodman, Ray Miller and Steve Stivers; and Representatives Kevin Bacon, Joyce Beatty, Ted Celeste, Larry Flowers, Tracy Maxwell Heard, Jim Hughes, Jim McGregor, Dan Stewart and Larry Wolpert.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed more than $400 million of capital funds appropriated by the Legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with nonprofit groups and local governments on more than 300 projects in 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
