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Local group seeks grants, study to make Texarkana auditorium accessible
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Summary
Speakers at the Texarkana Historic District Commission meeting described recent successful events, a bid of about $68,000 to repair the auditorium’s back wall, and a request for city funding to complete a feasibility study for an elevator and to reopen second-floor restrooms; they noted most grants are reimbursable and the city must front costs.
Members of a local preservation group told the commission that recent community events show public interest in restoring the downtown auditorium and generating support for further work.
Speakers said a recent 'Elvis and Friends' concert sold about 150 tickets with nine VIP tables, demonstrating demand that could bolster restoration efforts. Group members said they have applied for grants and have asked the city to include funds in its budget to pay for a feasibility study to evaluate installing an elevator and making the second floor accessible, and to bring the second-floor restrooms back into service.
Meeting participants noted most grants are reimbursable, meaning the city must pay upfront and submit for reimbursement later. They also said the city arranged a contract to repair a deteriorating back wall at the auditorium, and the repair bid came in at about $68,000; the city is responsible for a roughly 50 percent match and local organizations including the Patterson Trokey Foundation and Main Street Arkansas helped cover matching funds.
Speakers asked that the auditorium be made more usable for public rentals if safety, accessibility and necessary systems (heat and air) can be addressed. Commissioners and commenters described the approach to restoration as "baby steps," emphasizing incremental improvements such as feasibility studies and small repairs before larger capital work.
The group said they will continue outreach and asked commissioners and staff to support follow-up steps; no formal action on funding was taken at the meeting.
