Citizens speak during forum about Texan Theater project

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

A group of more than 40 people showed up at the Cain Center Wednesday night to take part in a public forum regarding the old Texan Theater.

Local attorney Mike Head donated the theater to the city in October with two caveats:

1. The property had to be turned into a public space.

2. A memorial to Head’s late brother, Fred (Bud) Head Jr.,  had to be incorporated.

City officials wanted to include the community in the planning process for the Texan so held Wednesday’s meeting to gather ideas.

“I am very excited how the community has taken such great interest in the Texan Theater project,” said Mayor Jerry Don Vaught. “Several great ideas were shared at the meeting and I look forward to accomplishing many of them. This project will make a large impact toward the revitalization of our downtown.”

Rather than a straight open forum, Wednesday’s meeting was facilitated by new Community Development Manager Thanasis “Nasi” Kombos, who used a questionnaire and break-out groups to guide the discussion.

Two points became fairly clear through the process. First, those at the meeting wanted the Texan to be used as a “multi-purpose ampitheater, offering a venue for musical performances, film showings, theatrical productions and civic gatherings.” Second, they wanted to see the property retain its “original, historic and place-specific” look.

Those in the audience also seemed to enjoy the meeting.

“I felt that is was a good meeting and that the city did a good job of letting us express our dreams, if you will, for what the Texan should be for the future of Athens,” said Athens resident Carol Morton, who attended the forum. “I am excited to watch the process and see the end results.”

Kombos said the city has allocated $150,000 toward the project, but added that private partnerships were available that could increase the overall budget.

He said the city hopes to move forward on the project “as soon as feasible.”

((Photos were posted live on Twitter and Instagram during the meeting.))

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAyFFFbp4Mn/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAyFWaCp4NM/

2 thoughts on “Citizens speak during forum about Texan Theater project”

  1. Does the city plan to have something like this to determine what their going to do with the lot the old hospital is on after its torn down? I live in that neighborhood and would like to potentially see a neighborhood park.

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