The restoration of the Steven and Mary Birch Texas Theatre as a performing arts venue at 425 N. Austin Street gets underway on Wednesday October 7th when the Texas Theatre Task Force of the Seguin Conservation Society signs the construction contract with The Koehler Company. Construction will begin within days, with an anticipated duration of 10-12 months before the theatre re-opens with restored sky-dome ceiling, gilded and ornate woodwork and all-new modern facilities.

At the contract signing ceremony are, seated, Steve Koehler of The Koehler Company and Cristin Ledbetter, immediate past president of the Seguin Conservation Society. Standing are Steve Tschoepe, chair of Texas Theatre Task Force, followed by Caroline Ledbetter, Paula Ledbetter, Stan Ledbetter Sr., John Masterson, Kay Martin, Marty Keil, David Legore, Don Keil, and from The Koehler Company, Basil Kallies, Paul Mueller and Jared Koehler.

Raising funds for the restoration and expansion of this historic landmark has taken 13 years since the Conservation Society purchased the theatre in 1996. The Texas Theatre dates to 1931, and has been a source of pride for Seguin ever since.

Once re-opened, the group expects an annual attendance of 24,600 for performances such as live music, children's theatre, community recitals, university stage productions, film festivals, chamber music and dinner theatres, all to be accommodated in the 350-seat facility.

The Task Force has raised $2 million of the projected $2.5 million cost of reclaiming and expanding The Texas Theatre. Grants and donations from foundations, corporations, local businesses, and community members have supported the project.

But more funds are needed to see the project through to its anticipated opening in 2011, says Steve Tschoepe, chair of the Theatre Task Force. A limited number of naming opportunities are still available. Popular choices are seats at $1,000 and stars in the ceiling starting at $100. For information, contact Tschoepe at 830-401-1971.

"The Texas Theatre is a shining star in downtown Seguin, and it's taken love and determination to preserve it. The Texas has served as an icon in Seguin's development and now we look forward to restoring this cultural gem so it can create new memories for generations to come," Tschoepe said.

###