The Historic Ohio Theatre Restoration
Help Us Build The Future
In 2004, the Historic Ohio Theatre marquee was completely destroyed by a lightning strike. To fully restore this historic neighborhood theatre, the façade must be restored according to Toledo and Ohio historic standards. The design and creation of a new marquee must also be in accordance to modern standards, but Historic Ohio Theatre plans to keep a historical look to the marquee. This exterior restoration will ensure the beauty and care of this old building for generations.
Mockup Photos show the fully restored facade and marquee.
The Peacock sign is an homage to the original Ohio Theatre sign from 1921.
The Historic Ohio Theatre was purchased by Children’s Theatre Workshop along with the building to the south. The Historic Ohio Theatre offers CTW a new home and the opportunity to revive the only remaining neighborhood theatre in Toledo. Full of beautiful architecture and a rich history of providing arts entertainment to the Toledo community, the theatre is in need of major restoration to return to its former glory and serve as a functional theatre space for CTW and the Toledo region.
Children’s Theatre Workshop’s production of Mean Girls High School Version on the Historic Ohio Theatre Stage, November 2024.
Next door at 3106 Lagrange St
Children’s Theatre Workshop also purchased the building next door to the Historic Ohio Theatre at 3106 Lagrange St. This building is being renovated into CTW’s new rehearsal and classroom space. Most of the work on this building is inside, so contruction crews will work through the winter to remodel the building into CTW’s new home, right next door to CTW’s performance space aka The Historic Ohio Theatre.
History
Built in 1921, The Historic Ohio Theatre is Toledo’s longest operating neighborhood theatre.
“The Ohio Theatre was built by the Lagrange Street Amusement Company, opening its doors on February 28, 1921, featuring the Douglas Fairbanks film, The Mark of Zorro. Admission, including the War Tax, was 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children. It was the largest neighborhood theatre in the country at the time. In 1929 Toledo had 41 indoor movie houses. While the country was experiencing the Great Depression, movie houses such as the Ohio Theatre offered quite an entertainment value. The Ohio Theatre still features the original deluxe red brick façade with Greek columns, a loading dock with overhead doors, the original wood seats with the original aisle lighting, the original side wall sconces and the original projection booth with a newsreel work bench. It has the same footprint as when it was built in 1921.” quote from Ohio Heritage.
Construction Costs
In 2021, CTW received an earmark grant from Rep Mary Kaptur for the restoration of the Historic Ohio Theatre. Our $2.5 million grant covers 80% of the costs to renovate the theatre, so we need community support to complete the restoration. So we humbly ask the community to help us make up that difference and help us restore the Historic Ohio Theatre and build classrooms and rehearsal spaces for Children’s Theatre Workshop next door at 3106 Lagrange.
Donations
Would you be able to donate to the Historic Ohio Theatre restoration and/or Children’s Theatre Workshop’s new home?
We have a fundraiser running CLICK HERE to donate or choose an option below
Donate via PayPal click here: PayPal
Checks can be mailed to: CTW, 3106 Lagrange St, Toledo, OH 43608
Donations can also be made on the CTW website, click here and please note the donation is for the Historic Ohio Theatre Restoration.
We would love to talk! Set up a meeting, building tour, observe a class, meet our team, or attend a show to learn more about The Historic Ohio Theatre or experience Children’s Theatre Workshop for yourself.
Aimee S. Reid, MFA, Executive Artistic Director
areid@ctwtoledo.org or 419-244-5061
Children’s Theatre Workshop is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means your gift is fully tax deductible as allowed by law.