City forms citizen advisory committee for Texan Theater project

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens City Council appointed an advisory committee for the Texan Theater Project Monday night.

“The City Council has elected to form a seven-member advisory committee to assist City staff with the renovation of the Texan Theater,” said Community Development Manager Thanasis “Nasi” Kombos. “The committee will be tasked with assisting with the Texan Theater project by providing specific knowledge to staff in regards to event hosting, venue promotion, architectural and creative design as well as all serving as representatives for the community’s interests.”

The committee includes:

• Monte Montgomery – City Councilman
• Tres Winn – City Councilman
• Fred and Marsha Head
• Gordon Mayhall
• Charles Tidmore
• Emily McGraw
• Charlie Bullock

“The formation of the committee will be a great addition to the project’s development and will aid in further ensuring that members of the community have direct involvement in the project moving forward,” said Kombos.

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.

The City has allocated $150,000 toward the project, but private partnerships are available that could increase the overall budget.