The Holland Theatre’s new marquee lights up the downtown Bellefontaine skyline following its restoration project that was completed this summer. Similarly, the theater recently took the spotlight at a statewide event — the Heritage Ohio’s annual awards ceremony — and was named the Best Historic Theatre of the Year.
Present to receive the award on behalf of the Holland Theatre were board member Jason Vogel, board president Kris Swisher, and architect Karen Beasley, who helped oversee the recent marquee restoration that propelled the Holland to winning this category.
The ceremony took place Oct. 15 at the Canton Palace Theater, as part of the Heritage Ohio Annual Conference in downtown Canton.
“The community support for this project was very impressive to everyone at the awards ceremony,” said Swisher. “We are so thankful to live in a place where the performing arts are valued.”
The Heritage Ohio awards honor Ohio’s best projects, places, and people who create lasting impacts through historic preservation and community revitalization. Winners were selected by an independent jury.
The Historic Theatre of the Year is presented to the historic theater, opera house or cinema that embodies the spirit of preservation. Nominees were judged for maintained integrity or completed restoration projects, active performance or screenings and community engagement.
In early September, officials from the Holland Theatre announced that the historic venue had been named as one of three finalists for the statewide award.
The new marquee restores the original look to the building when the Dutch atmospheric theater first opened in 1931, with modern LED technology. The Holland raised $440,000 in local donations for this project, and pledges were matched by a $220,000 grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation.
“The Holland Theatre once again shines as a beacon of community pride in Bellefontaine, with its iconic vertical blade and grand marquee restored after more than 75 years,” officials from Heritage Ohio said in a release.
“A remarkable fundraising effort — powered by major donors, small gifts, and even a benefit performance by Dave Chappelle — helped bring the dazzling marquee back to life. Today, the recreated marquee lights up Main Street and celebrates the city’s thriving downtown spirit, while the restored 1931 atmospheric theatre hosts a full calendar of national acts, local performances, and community productions.
“The Holland has reclaimed its place as the star of downtown, illuminating and inspiring generations to come.”
Heritage Ohio prompts economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better.
Learn more about how to get involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org.
