Current Project Updates

The Woodward Development Corporation (WDC) has announced the beginning of the exterior restoration of the Woodward Opera House. 

(Click to enlarge)

The current project (Phase 3) is the Abatement and Exterior Restoration Phase.  The asbestos removal was completed in 2006. Next, the complete removal of lead based paint (LBP) from exterior Woodward masonry will be implemented.  Following the paint removal, the masonry will be restored and repointed (replace missing mortar).  As this work progresses, the restoration of the exterior portion of the Woodward window frames and sashes, exterior window hoods, brackets, bracket trim molding,  and soffit areas will be completed.  New gutters and downspouts will also be installed.  The first floor storefronts will not be restored at this time.

Grant funds for this phase of the restoration have been awarded by the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures Program, the Federal CDBG Program as administered by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Office of Housing and Community Partnerships and ODOD Office of Urban Development Clean Ohio Revitalization Program, and the City of Mount Vernon.  Matching funds for these grants have been provided by many generous local and distant private donors.  The total project cost on the Phase 3 portion of the restoration is $1.3 million.

This work began on April 23rd with the erection of scaffolding by the two contractors selected to complete the work.  The general masonry, window, and trim restoration work will be done by Midwest Maintenance Inc. of Piqua (www.midwestmaintenance.com). The removal of the lead based paint from the masonry will be implemented by Lepi Enterprises Inc. of Zanesville (www.lepienterprises.com).