The Lawrenceburg Redevelopment Commission approved a purchase agreement on Monday.
Liberty Theater on Walnut Street in downtown Lawrenceburg. Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.
(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – A significant landmark in the city of Lawrenceburg may soon be restored to its former glory.
The Lawrenceburg Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously Monday to approve a purchase deal for the Liberty Theater.
The $430,000 purchase would give the city of Lawrenceburg control of the theater.
Redevelopment manager Bryan Messmore said the sale is contingent on an environmental and structural analysis and a development agreement with Thigmotrope, LLC.
The revitalization of the Liberty Theater would create a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting live music for original artists, weddings, business and corporate events, as well as film, music and arts festivals.
Plans also include a restaurant and bourbon bar.
Stakeholders believe the revitalization of the Liberty Theater could bring a younger population to downtown Lawrenceburg and provide a year-round destination for residents and visitors.
Messmore says the project is being fast-tracked and hopefully contractors will be on site within the next 30 to 60 days. If all goes according to plan, the Liberty Theater could reopen by spring 2023.
“It’s a nice setup,” Messmore said. “It will be fantastic when it is restored.”
The Liberty Theater opened in 1930. It was closed in 1955 and converted to retail.
