SAFFORD — While grants have come in from numerous sources, including significant help from the City of Safford and the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, more funds are needed to complete the renovation of the historic Safford Theatre.
The Safford Downtown Association reports its GoFundMe program is still about 60 percent away from its goal of raising $18,000 from the public.
The last time the theater was used was for a showing of the film “Camino Y El Mio” on October 6, 1975. Since then, the roof and back three-quarters of the theater collapsed.
The Downtown Association is shoring up the remaining walls; installing a new stage in addition to a screen; seating that can be removed for other events, such as weddings, birthdays, conventions and dances; updating the balcony with VIP boxes; and completely rebuilding the lobby, snack bar and restrooms.
The Downtown Association estimates it will cost nearly $400,000 to restore the theater to its original glory, as a roofless “Airdome Theater,” as it was called at its opening in May 1911. To place a roof on the structure would nearly triple the expense.
To contribute to the fund-raising effort to restore the theater, go to Fundraiser for Jo Hancock by Danny Smith : Safford Theatre Project (gofundme.com).
