A recent version of California's state budget plan includes $2.5 million to go toward the restoration of the Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs.
The state's budget plan, which awaited final approval this week, contained $2.5 million in funding for the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, which is raising money for the restoration of the Plaza Theatre; a KESQ news release said.
The project has now amassed a total of over $9.5 million, which is nearing the foundation's initial goal of raising $10-$12 million, the release said. But J.R. Roberts, president of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, said that due to inflation the foundation has set a new goal of $12-$16 million.
"The current goal is to bring the theater back with respect to its look and feel of 1936, when it was completed," Roberts told the Coachella Valley Times recently. "It would be a state-of-the-art design for a theater today, keeping in mind easy access for people with disabilities. We want people to walk in and think it's 1936, but also have it feel 'modern.'"
The renovation is aimed at restoring the old theater to its original charm but with modern aspects and upgrades, the KESQ report said. This includes new seats and theater equipment, structural improvements, and infrastructure repairs. Roberts projects fundraising goals to be met by the end of the year, with construction beginning as soon as January of 2023.
As an added boost for the restoration, The Desert Sun recently reported the project had received a grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation through the Sheffer/Scheffler Donor Advised Fund. The grant was awarded to the Palm Springs Plaza Desert Theatre Foundation thanks to Ann Sheffer's and Bill Scheffler's love and appreciation for the arts.