Pre-Phase: Acquisition

COMPLETE

$400,000.00

Phase 1: Roof Phase

COMPLETE

$218,941.42

Phase 2: Retail Rehabilitation and Building Stabilization on First Floor

COMPLETE

$542,512.41

Phase 3: Abatement Phase (2006-07)

COMPLETE

Abatement - Asbestos + Lead Based Paint + Repointing

$956,472.85

Abatement - Restore Windows

$402,300.60

Total Work Completed to Date(including Acquisition)$2,520,227.28

Phase 4: Theater Restoration & Annex Expansion Phase

Theater & New Rear Annex

$6,214,914.41

Equipment

$484,120.00

Phase 5: Annex Phase

Complete Primary Annex Interior Work

$1,924,930.04

Equipment

$535,000.00

Phase 6: Woodward Second Story and Storefront Restoration Phase

Restore/Rehabilitate Opera House 2nd Story & All Storefronts

$954,359.60

Phase 7: Historic Annex Offices Restoration Phase

Complete Secondary Annex Interior Work

$743,322.12

Phase 8: Basement Retail and Areaways Restoration Phase

Create Basement/Retail/Arts Spaces + Exterior Areaways

$813,499.18

TOTAL PROJECT COST $14,190,372.63

The Woodward, unlike almost all other community theater projects, will not become a financial burden to the community. There are four forms of income producing space available in the upper floors and basement of the facility:

• Retail Space (first floor and basement) - The first floor is partially renovated and currently 100% occupied with paying tenants. It will continue to be leased primarily for retail and food service businesses.
• The future basement spaces will be marketed using two methods. First, the basement area will be advertised as direct retail rental space available primarily to artisans for making and selling their products. Second, it will be set up as an arts sales cooperative for artisans who do not have the means to maintain a full time retail operation. In addition, it is our objective to have the 101 S Main basement re-established as a snack shop as it was for almost 100 years – peanuts, popcorn, caramel crunch and the like, most probably on a smaller scale than the original retail food operation.
• Office Space (second floor - in the Woodward and Annex buildings) - When available, this space will be advertised and rented. Handicap accessible second floor office space in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon and located in one of the most historic buildings in America will be highly sought after space. Several not-for-profit entities have already signed letters of intent to use this space.
• Performing Arts Space – (third floor - in the Woodward and Annex buildings) –The model under study would turn management of the facility over to the Knox Partnership for Arts and Culture, the area arts council. This group is already establishing its model for the Woodward in the 111 South Main playhouse space as a small rehearsal and performance area with art gallery space to be included. The economic model for the final Woodward arts operation would include a monthly or per event rent for the performance facilities and a per ticket contribution levied on all income producing events to supplement the long term maintenance of the arts portion of the facility.
• Conferences and Meetings –In the daytime and many evenings, the theater, the recital room, and several other parts of the facility would be perfect for hosting meetings, small banquets, conferences, and the like thereby adding to the ability of the facility to generate supplemental income. This will correlate nicely with the existing downtown conference center and become a value added portion of the meeting and conference product in Knox County and Mount Vernon.

The Woodward was originally constructed by Dr. Ebenezer Woodward, an enterprising businessman in Mount Vernon. His original intent was to provide Mount Vernon with a performing arts venue which would not depend solely on the theater revenue to sustain the building. The genius of Mr. Woodward has resulted in the preservation of this profound and unique structure. The building has been continuously occupied by mercantile establishments on the first floor since its completion in 1851. The second floor was occupied by professional and commercial ventures from completion until the 1960’s. The third and fourth floor theater was occupied until the mid-1920’s, when competition from other local theatrical venues forced the Woodward Opera House theater to close its door. The third floor has seen occasional use as a gymnasium and storage area off and on since that time.

Research has shown that the Woodward is America’s Oldest Authentic 19th Century Theater still standing (there are no original pre-19th century theaters in America). This extensive research effort was carried out by noted scholar and author Peter Dickson. Updated historical investigation has moved the first performance date in the Woodward Hall back to at least December 8-10th, 1851.

Efforts to bring the significance of the historical nature of the facility to the forefront began in the 1970’s. Many local organizations supported the cause during these early years, including the Knox County Renaissance Foundation. The Woodward was placed on the National Register for Historic Places and the eventual restoration became the dream of the community.

In 1995, KPAC - The Knox Partnership for Arts & Culture was created. Its mission was established to support the arts throughout Knox County, beginning with the restoration and operation of the Woodward as an arts facility. In 1996, the Woodward Development Corporation (WDC) was formed to be the eventual owner of the facility. WDC purchased the Woodward building in May of 1998 and the adjacent building for use as an annex in March of 2000. Both organizations applied for and subsequently achieved their IRS 501 (c) (3) tax exempt designation.

After acquisition, the Woodward Development Corp. began detailed historic and archeological research aimed at establishing the physical evolution of the structures to permit an authentic restoration process. KPAC began laying the ground work developing plans for the community arts as it relates to the Woodward facility.