Efforts to 'Save the Emery' continue

For the second straight year, volunteers from Give Back Cincinnati will be cleaning and restoring the historic Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine.

Shuttered since 1999, last July's painting, cleaning and polishing allowed the venue to host the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards last November.

But more work remains to open the 1,600-seat theater as a functional venue for concerts and fine arts events.

"We're really still at the beginning of our fundraising," says Beth Sullebarger of the Emery Center Corporation (ECC), which holds a sublease on the theater.  "Right now, we have two grant applications out to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Ohio Historic Preservation Office."

Sullebarger estimates that they'll need to raise at least $3 million to restore the building's restrooms, orchestra level and first balcony.

That work would open up about 1,100 seats.

"That's our immediate next step," Sullebarger says.  "But it's our first step in making the Emery an urban, edgy venue.  It allow us to hold more events, even benefits."

ECC envisions a three-phased, $20 million restoration that would be completed by 2011, the building's 100th anniversary.

Give Back Cincinnati will be doing its part this Saturday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

"I think everybody should know just how significant Give Back Cincinnati's support has been in getting the Emery Theatre re-opened," Sullebarger says.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Beth Sullebarger, Emery Center Corporation
Photography by Scott Beseler