June 1, 2019 – A $550,000 State of Tennessee grant has been awarded to Giles County’s STAAR Theatre to aid in the restoration of the 1868 Antoinette Hall Opera House.
“After several months of hard work by State Senator Joey Hensley and State Representative Clay Doggett, the Board of Directors of STAAR Theatre received the wonderful news last week that the State had approved the funds to move forward with the restoration,” said Tammy Pierchoski, Executive Director of the non-profit 501c3 organization that owns the historic building. “They understood the value this project has for our region and Tennessee and both went to bat for us.”
Pierchoski said that as the building enters its 151st year, headway is being made toward the $8 million fundraising campaign for preservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of the National Register of Historic Places listed building into a center for the performing and visual arts.
“Last year the City of Pulaski expressed support of the effort by awarding an $100,000 grant to restore the roof of Antoinette Hall,” Pierchoski said. “That work began last month and will put the at-risk building in a safer position.”
Pierchoski pointed out that the State’s award as well as the commitment by the City of Pulaski fit into Governor Bill Lee’s rural development plans that include a chance for children growing up in rural Tennessee to have the same access to experience the performing and visual arts as young people growing up in Nashville.
“At STAAR, our all-volunteer staff have been providing just that kind of training by professionals in their fields with a focus on our young people and future leaders for almost two decades,” Pierchoski said.
STAAR Theatre and Antoinette Hall supporters will be invited to a fundraising luncheon with Governor Lee, Senator Hensley and Representative Doggett when they present the check later this year.
“It will be another opportunity for the community to demonstrate to our elected officials that this project, which has served thousands of adult and youth participants, guests and tourists, is important to Giles County’s quality of life,” Pierchoski said.
To keep abreast of developments, learn more about the history of Antoinette Hall, find out about upcoming performances and more, register for the STAAR monthly newsletter at antoinettehall.com. Antoinette Hall needs your support. Please donate today
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