PHOTO: The Englert Theatre’s distinctive marquee has been under restoration since this spring. CREDIT ENGLERT
After months of restoration work, the iconic Englert Theatre marquee is back and ready for its grand unveiling at a Facebook Live event set for 5 p.m. Friday.
The virtual celebration will include a recorded walkthrough showing work that has taken place inside the building during the construction interspersed with performances from local artists. The celebration will culminate with a live performance from local musician Elizabeth Moen and the official lighting of the marquee.
The restoration, which began in March, was a community effort with major financial support coming from the city of Iowa City, Washington County Riverboat Foundation, CAT Grant/Enhance Iowa Funds and more than $530,000 in recently announced state historic preservation tax credits.
Englert renovations also received major support from longtime Englert advocates and volunteers Tom and Carol Rosenberger, with additional support coming from more than 550 donors who donated to the Englert’s marquee lighters campaign by sponsoring individual bulbs.
The project is a part of the Strengthen Grow Evolve campaign aimed at “building the greatest small city for the arts.”
