A downtown revitalization group is conducting its annual membership drive after completing major projects last year and starting a renovation of the Melba Theatre on Grand Avenue.
Downtown Houston Inc. says its strong membership base over the years has made it successful in obtaining grants and other incentives that have brought more than $1.5 million in improvements downtown. Annual memberships are $40 for businesses and $35 for individuals.
In a newsletter, the organization told members:
• It completed the Lone Star Annex north of the downtown plaza. The project includes quarters for Texas County University Extension, a community room, community kitchen and special appliances and a walk-in cooler and freezer. Landscaping also was completed.
• The big project for the year is the renovation of the Melba Theatre on Grand Avenue and adjoining properties on each side. Work began last year, and members are hopeful it will be completed by the end of June. Idle since the early 1980s, the 1938-constructed icon will be available for a variety of uses, including productions, meetings and other functions. Several local organizations are joining the group in the project. Gentry Construction Inc. is the general contractor.
Funds — which are tax-deductible — are still being raised. One program allows individuals, groups and families to purchase a theatre seat that includes a plaque with their name. (A form is located at http://www.houstonherald.com/app/pdfs/melbaseat.pdf)
• Much investment has been made in privately owned real estate in the down town. It continues with many improvements to buildings.
• That Sho-Me Power began making high speed Internet available for the downtown through its fiber optics network.
• The Lone Star Farmers Market will expand to encourage those with EBT benefits to use it to purchase healthy food products. Special incentives will be in place.
To join, mail memberships to Downtown Houston Inc., P.O. Box 170, Houston, Mo. 65483