Old Town Players reports front railing destroyed by lift; board urges insurance and grant exploration

The Old Town Players told the Vincennes Historic Review Board that painters operating a lift damaged the venue's front concrete railing, forcing removal of loose stonework for safety. Brian Beibel, representing the players, said the railing "was removed immediately" after it became loose and that the organization had already expended significant funds on the building's upkeep.

Beibel described the original concrete/stone railing as "too short and was too wide" and said painters struck the railing with a lift, causing large sections to be removed. He said the painters' insurer has compensated for removal and disposal costs so far but that historic stonework is gone and full masonry restoration would be costly. Board members and the troupe discussed two contractor bids: one to replace the railing with black aluminum/steel that would visually recede and be more affordable, the other to replace the structure more closely with masonry or specialty stonework.

Several board members said the troupe should pursue the insurer or contractor for restoration costs and look into Urban Enterprise Zone or other small grant opportunities for appearance work. The board asked the Old Town Players to compile photos taken the night of the incident, contractor quotes and insurance documents and to either email staff or return with the information at the next board meeting so the board can move quickly on approval or funding assistance. No final vote on construction was taken at the meeting; the board agreed to help identify historically sympathetic options and faster review paths once documentation is provided.

Board members expressed regret at the loss of historic material but emphasized public safety and the need for practical, affordable repair paths that would allow the theater to reopen the veranda once safe and insured.