Park Theatre Trust outlines restoration plan and fundraising progress as renovation readies for permits

The Park Theatre Trust told the Lafayette City Council on April 14 that it has raised roughly $10.5 million toward a community-led effort to buy and renovate the downtown Park Theatre and is targeting a late‑2026 reopening, with work expected to start as early as September pending building permits.

The trust’s chief financial officer, Tracy Farrell, told council members the organization had raised $1,803,200 in pledges in 2024 and that “over $10,500,000 has now been raised towards the park effort, but we still have about 2,000,000 to go.” Farrell said funding has come from individuals, foundations, businesses, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of Lafayette, and that much of the remaining need will be met through donations or affordable financing if needed.

Farrell said pro bono and in‑kind support has been critical, listing local Rotary groups, Eagle Scout volunteers and local businesses that have helped salvage seats, lighting and fixtures for reuse. “The Park Theatre Trust…