Local businessman Randy Danielson appeared before the Plymouth Revitalization Committee Wednesday night with a suggestion of doing a project with the marquee at the Rees Theatre. Danielson proposed having the marquee lights on for a few hours nightly or on the weekends to help bring people to town.
The expanded idea would be to change out the old lighted letter boards in the marquee and replace them with an electronic message center. Danielson said, “It could be a bright spot in Plymouth to start generating business downtown.”
The theatre is privately owned by Jim Vinall and Brian VanDyne so there are some questions about a public project on a private building.
Danielson said he believes the transformation would cost between $40,000 and $60,000. It was brought up having local sponsorship’s to help cover the project costs and electric bill to have the lights on.
In 1997 to 98 a total restoration of the marquee was completed but local architect Brent Martin suggested having someone look at it to be sure the roof deck of the marquee is in good shape.
It was suggested seeking a grant from the Community Improvement Commission which provides up to a 20% reimbursement with a maximum of $20,000.
Danielson reminded commission members that Lincoln Junior High students had suggested lighting the marquee.
No official action was taken by the revitalization committee but they liked the suggestion.
