August 11, 2009
Center Stage Siphoning Off Landmark Theater Funding?
There’s a rumor on the street that the soon-to-open downtown Center Stage project is now taking funding away from the Landmark Theater renovation.
Instead of getting it out of City of the Future funds, the way it was supposed to,
the Landmark actually got its money from the excess surplus from the Manchester Project. But CenterStage leadership is rumored to be negotiating with Council to get the money that would have gone to the Landmark. (Remember when the City of the Future was supposed to be mainly about renovating and building new schools?)
Many Oregon Hill residents have questioned the Center Stage project from the beginning. Now as it gets closer to opening day, more and more people are raising questions. And yet, even more amazing, this sad, wasteful story just keeps growing.
The Landmark renovations will most likely get finished no matter what, but if this rumor proves true then what other public priorities is Center Stage distracting money and attention from?
Scott,
Sounds like this might be rumor and nothing more. Or at least confusion. “CenterStage” is not just the complex on Grace but encompasses the Landmark as well. So if “CenterStage officials” are shifting money, it might still be going to the Landmark.
Perhaps. its hard to keep track of what Center Stage has its hand in these days. Its true that it is certainly more than just the Carpenter Center renovation. At one point I heard that they were trying to gain control of Open High as well.
We need FOIA for Center Stage!
Hmm looks like it’s on their site:
http://richmondcenterstage.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=21
They need to post this years 990 though. It doesn’t sound like siphoning off so much as it does something with the Landmark/CenterStage connection. I dunno, haven’t researched and def don’t want to spread rumors (AHEM ;)
Greg, your point is semantics. Landmark is not considered part of CenterStage complex; however the contract to run both venues extends to the group via SMG. Landmark is NOT listed on CS’s website under “Our Venues”
The Foundation is taking $2 million earmarked for the Landmark from the City of the Future because fundraising is flat. They are and “promising” to pay it back later and the Manchester money is being moved now to fill the void. The post is correct in saying the Landmark work will be completed, but when will the $2 million be returned so the next phase can continue?