Tuesday, December 9, 2008 by Denise Walsh

Plans redevelop downtown Theater new plaza to be considered

by Kathryn Kennedy, The Daily Reflector

Downtown projects are front and center today at Greenville’s Redevelopment Commission meeting, including a proposal to purchase a vacant theater on Fifth Street.

Architects are to present a report on whether an old movie house, formerly known as the Park Theater and White’s Theater, can be brought to modern health and access codes within the current structure’s shell.

“(The commission’s) intention is to acquire and renovate it and operate it as a community theater,” said City Planner Carl Rees.

Katherine Wetherington, owner of the nearby clothing and gift boutique Dulcinea, manages the theater property. She said she believes the city could do great things with the space.

“We’re very interested in getting it into the hands of the city,” Wetherington said. “We’re definitely hoping for a project that embraces community theater ... as well as music events.”

A contract to buy the theater has already been developed, Rees said, and it will be reassessed after tonight’s feasibility report.

Across the street, the Redevelopment Commission continues to consider a plan transforming the parking lot at the corner of Fifth and Evans streets into Five Points Plaza. Interested parties have discussed the possibility of adding water and electricity hook-ups, more canopy-level trees and a covered area to create a permanent event space.

Uptown Greenville, a local nonprofit group promoting growth and development, conducted a Five Points Plaza Concept survey of residents concluding two weeks ago. The group was scheduled to present a report to the commission tonight, but Executive Director Denise Walsh said they haven’t had enough time to compile the results.

“We had a great response,” Walsh said. “Two hundred and thirty-seven people took the survey. We’re taking that input as well as comments from an earlier public input session that about 40 people attended.”

East Carolina University’s Center for Survey Research conducted and is assessing the survey free of charge. Walsh said the Thanksgiving holiday slowed their progress and they hope to present results in January.

The Redevelopment Commission will also hear an update on the West Greenville civic art project, commissioned to honor the former C.M. Eppes High School and its namesake, including which artist was selected to design the memorial.

A public comment period will be held during the meeting — and at every monthly meeting — for citizens wishing to comment on these or other redevelopment topics.

Contact Kathryn Kennedy at kkennedy@coxnc.com or (252) 329-9566.