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Imperial Theater team seeks $14.5 million to rehabilitate Mohawk landmark
Summary
Developer Julie Fay and the Imperial Theater Mohawk Alliance told the Healthy Neighborhoods Committee the project has stabilized the 1912 theater, secured federal historic tax credits and three $100,000 rounds of city predevelopment grants, and is seeking capital to complete a $14.5 million rehabilitation and a new performing-arts annex.
The Imperial Theater Mohawk Alliance updated the Cincinnati Healthy Neighborhoods Committee on plans to restore the 1912 theater and build a 450-seat performing arts and education annex, saying the total project cost is about $14.5 million and that more fundraising and city partnership will be needed to finish construction.
Julie Fay, the developer, and Marilyn Highland, Imperial Theater project director, said Fay bought the deteriorated theater in 2014, stabilized the building, installed a new roof, secured federal historic tax credits and won three rounds of the city’s Neighborhood Catalytic Capital Investment Program (NCCIP), each for $100,000 in predevelopment awards. The presenters said more than $1 million has been invested so far in preconstruction and stabilization work.
The presenters described a phased plan that preserves the original interior proscenium and stage while adding a separate Mohawk Performing Arts and Education Annex. The proposal includes state-of-the-art lighting and sound, accessible entry improvements, classrooms and rehearsal spaces, and flexible seating. Presenters said the completed complex would support roughly 19 permanent jobs and about 31 construction jobs and would host performances, educational programs and community events.
Committee members asked about timeline and funding. Marilyn Highland said round 3 of the NCCIP award is not yet contracted and the team is actively fundraising, pursuing private donors and considering future state grant opportunities. She estimated construction could take about 12 to 18 months once funding and contractor schedules are in place and said some facade and accessibility remediation work will begin this summer with Keiker Development as the low bidder for masonry and related work.
Presenters detailed early programming and community engagement: monthly “Imperial Presents” performances that drew roughly 350 attendees across eight shows, sold‑out public tours (about 70 attendees) and approximately 300 private tours to artists and partners. They said educational offerings and residencies could serve 200–400 youth and adult learners annually, and the Imperial has hosted collaborations with regional arts programs including CCM, DAAP and SCPA.
Julie Fay told the committee, "This project is ready to move," and asked for continued city partnership to complete fundraising and capital work. Committee members expressed support and interest in follow-up tours and additional briefing materials on funding needs and schedule.
The committee filed the presentation without objection.
