From left to right are Dustin Olin, Thor Construction; Susan Reed, Commonwealth Architects; Josh Grant, Thor Construction.

Historic Masonic Theatre Reconstruction Progresses   Clifton Forge, VA (July 3, 2015) - The tagline for Commonwealth Architects, the firm that is responsible for the Masonic Theatre reconstruction design work, reads “Rebuilding Community”. If the interest in the reconstruction site of the Theatre is any indication, the tagline is a self-fulfilling prophecy for the Allegany Highlands and the Historic Masonic Theatre. Susan Reed of Commonwealth Architects comments, “With construction now underway, it is such an exciting time to see the rehabilitation of the Masonic Theatre taking shape. It's all about details right now and making the lines on the drawings merge with the existing building. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and coordination by so many people. But it’s a great team and very rewarding to be a part of it.” Work on the Masonic Theatre is humming along with many of the projects not as visible as in the first several weeks. The new Dressing Room area floor has been poured; masonry walls are underway and will be completed in the next two weeks. Plumbing rough-ins are currently underway in the Lower Level and will be nearing completion in the next week. The HVAC rough in (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) is underway in the Attic and will be moving down to the Upper Level after the work is complete in the attic. The Theatre will have a zoned system that will ensure comfort for all patrons, no matter where they are in the building. Electrical rough in is underway with pipe being installed in the lower level and the switch gear installation starting shortly. Selective demolition is at 90% and will resume once the construction workers enter the next phase of work. Structural re-enforcement is 50% complete and will continue through the end of August. Upcoming renovation includes the elevator construction which will begin in late July with the floor and shaft construction occurring over the next 30 days. The elevator is a totally new element for the Masonic Theatre and the Theatre’s elevator will be named for the Clifton Forge High School Alumni Association after the group raised $50,000 to name the elevator. As one alumni explained, “We’re the ones who are going to need the elevator!” Wall construction will begin next week for the new restrooms in the Industrial Loan Building. The painted wall sign which was uncovered when the plaster was removed will be sealed and become a part of the restored Theatre. In a very rare decision, the Department of Historic Resources approved the sign which was not a part of the original Theatre because it is an important part of the history of the Town, Roof replacement will begin on the Theatre in late July and continue for the next two months. Scaffolding will be installed in the auditorium and on the stage later in July and much of the interior work will begin after the installation. Many people have asked about tours through the Theatre during the reconstruction and the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation is working on a schedule that will permit people into the Theatre during construction. Monthly tours are scheduled to begin in August on the third Friday of the month at 5:00 pm. The tours will last approximately one hour and be limited to 15 people. Tour participants must be able to climb stairs. If interested in registering for the August tour, please email HYPERLINK "mailto:masonictheatre@yahoo.com" masonictheatre@yahoo.com or call 540 862 5655 and leave a message. Meet at the entrance door to the Theatre on August 21 at 5:00 sharp. For more information on the Historic Masonic Theatre renovation, please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com or the Historic Masonic Theatre and Amphitheatre Facebook page.

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