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Clovis approves $1 million local funding plan and $1.3 million WWRC bid to reopen Lyceum Theatre
Summary
The commission approved using city economic development funds and proceeds to provide $1 million toward Lyceum Theatre interior work and unanimously awarded a roughly $1.3 million bid to WWRC for renovation; commissioners noted structural unknowns that may require additional work.
The Clovis City Commission voted unanimously to approve a funding plan for the Lyceum Theatre and to award a renovation bid to WWRC.
City staff (Miss Burrows) told commissioners the Lyceum has attracted several funding commitments: about $100,000 from the state economic development program for projection equipment, $500,000 from a federal 'Save America’s Treasures' congressional allocation, and a $500,000 state match. Staff proposed using interest from the economic development (LEDA) fund (about $800,000) plus proceeds from the recent sale of a milk plant ($200,000) to reach $1 million toward interior work.
"Section 3.28.0.02(h) of the Clovis City Code specifies that cultural facilities are an allowable use of LEDA dollars," Burrows said, explaining the legal basis for the proposed allocation. Commissioners debated whether the $1 million would be sufficient; staff and consultants said the interior bid from WWRC was about $1.3 million, and other funding sources (remaining grama or grant dollars) could be used to cover the remainder.
Staff also warned of an important unknown: the condition of the support structure beneath the stage. A staff member said crews would need to shore the basement beneath the stage and bring in shoring and lifts to inspect load‑bearing beams; until a structural engineer inspects those elements the total cost remains uncertain.
The commission approved the funding plan and then voted unanimously to accept WWRC's bid for interior renovation work (bid validity: 30 days). Staff noted certain exclusions in the bid (for example, some fire‑rated doors and frames) and said those would be addressed separately.
Commissioners characterized the project as an investment in downtown revitalization and asked staff to continue working with WWRC on inspection and procurement details before construction begins.
