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1. CLARIFICATION: In an earlier version of this article, it said that Pride of Atmore was awarded grants from Georgia Pacific and the Alabama Power Foundation. This is inaccurate. They have yet to apply for the grants. We are sorry for the error and were happy to set the record straight.

 

More than 50 salads were available for diners during Myrna’s Salad Luncheon June 24 at First Presbyterian Church in Atmore.

The luncheon was held to benefit the Pride of Atmore Downtown Revitalization effort. Salad recipes were provided by Myrna Monroe, a Pride of Atmore board member.

In the early part of 2018, Zach Mannheimer — principal community planner with McClure Engineering — and engineering officials worked on ideas of how to bring the Strand Theater, along with the hardware store, back to life. Mannheimer visited Atmore several times over some five months getting feedback from the community on what it would like to see downtown.

As of late, the Pride of Atmore began its capital campaign to help raise funds for the effort.

Several tables boasted diners during the luncheon, which was held on Monday.

Last week, Pride of Atmore’s Dale Ash and Foster Kizer were the guest speakers at Atmore Rotary Club’s weekly meeting.

Ash and Kizer gave an update as to how the fundraising is going.

Kizer said Pride of Atmore has raised a lot of money so far.

Ash added that the organization is applying for grants from Georgia Pacific and the Alabama Power Foundation.

During the presentation, Ash and Kizer presented artists renderings of what the Strand Theatre will look like after renovations are complete. The renderings were done by design students at Coastal Alabama Community College.

According to the PoA, restoration funds will be used to upgrade, renovate and repair the theatre’s facade, mechanical systems, lobby, roof, marquee, ceilings, concession area, theatre seating, projection room and acoustics.

Restoration of the theatre will be completed in the following order of events: launching of a capital campaign; finalizing architectural plans; contractor selection; replace roof; renovation of interior, including installation of HVAC, plumbing, electrical and ADA restrooms; restoration of stage and auditorium; and restoration of the facade.

The hardware store restoration includes a complete restoration, including the building’s west facade, and a separate entrance for second floor access.

The second floor space will be held for a multifunctional classroom space for dance, music, programming, pottery, candle making, woodworking, academic tutoring, photography and more.

Additionally, a courtyard on the exterior is planned.

There are several giving and naming opportunities available.

Contact any capital campaign committee member — Emily Dykes of Gulf Winds; Ash of Pepsi Cola and South Alabama Vending Atmore; Cindy Colville of Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. and South Alabama Vending of Atmore; Bub Gideons of PHD Realty; Kizer of Royal Oaks Bed and Breakfast; David Landa of Alto Products; Richard Maxwell of Maxwell Construction; Justin Stabler of the Poarch Creek Indians; Allen Walston of Alfa Insurance; and Emilee Waters of United Bank — for more information.