“With the completion of

the Columbia, Longview

will become a ‘great city.’

The Columbia will become

an integral part of the

city’s growth.”

—1925 Cowlitz Historical Quarterly

preservationrenovation transformation

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts

“The performing arts reflect the heart and soul of a community and contribute to its economic vitality. The renovation of the Columbia Theatre will facilitate this new vitality in Longview and the region.”

—Rick Wollenberg,

Honorary Chair,

Capital Campaign

A Cultural Arts Resource for the Community and Region The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts (CTPA) is a historic landmark and vital community institution that has served multiple generations of families. It is part of the City of Longview’s original footprint and is an essential catalyst in the economic re-development of the Historic Downtown. Its geographic reach extends from Olympia to the Pacific Ocean to both sides of the Lower Columbia River Valley.

What this Project Will AccomplishThe $12.6 capital campaign will transform the Columbia Theatre from “existing to thriving!” By preserving this historic landmark and “Crown Jewel” of Southwest Washington, the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will become a state-of-the-art facility for future generations to enjoy.

CTPA’s project will revitalize Longview’s Historic Downtown. The Public Facility District (PFD) funding bill was secured in the State Legislature on the strength of the project to attract new business to Cowlitz County. Longview-Kelso will become a cultural destination that promotes tourism, supports the hospitality industry and generates new tax revenue for the region. CTPA plays a significant role in attracting highly-educated professionals to the region, especially in the hiring of teachers and physicians. preservation

preservation

We are 2/3 of the way to our capital campaign goal, with several challenge grants “in the works” to help us raise the remaining $3 million. Every local donor and donation is critical to funders. Won’t you step forward now and make a pledge to support your Columbia Theatre?

Fundraising Update—Effective April 25, 2008, the campaign has raised $8,956,800 of the $12.6 million goal from the following sources:

Public Facility District Funding* $6,100,000City of Longview 570,000WA Building for the Arts grant 750,000Private Foundations 1,030,500Board & Individual Gifts 506,300 $8,956,800*Public Facility District (PFD)

• This project is overseen by the PFD Board to comply with State requirements.• PFD funding bill will “rebate” .020% of Cowlitz County sales tax revenue to this project over 25 years. • The City of Longview has underwritten a bond for $6.1 million.

** The City of Longview has pledged $1.5 million to the project as a “challenge” that requires a 4:1 match (excluding PFD funding). This means that every $100,000 we raise in new pledges and grants earns an additional “$25,000” from the City.

Additional fundraising updates are available upon request.

Campaign Investment Policy—

CTPA’s capital campaign funds are

managed by the County Treasurer.

As directed by the PFD, the Treasurer

invests all campaign funds in the

State Investment Pool “passbook”

account. Interest earnings are equal

to or better than current CD rates.

All interest earnings go to CTPA’s

project and not to the County or

PFD. A monthly financial report is

available upon request.

Claim Your Seat!The renovated Columbia Theatre will have 843 brand new seats when it reopens in 2010. They will be wider, more comfortable and unlike any other theatre seat in the Universe. Each Columbia Theatre seat can be named for $1,000 each. This “once in a generation”opportunity will help restore this Historic Landmark and ensure your name for posterity.

Commemorative Naming Opportunities—Legacy Gifts of $50,000 to $2 million offer unique naming opportunities. Making a Legacy Gift offers an extraordinary opportunity to give back to the community while honoring a unique individual, family, company or organization. Your gift will inspire others to give more generously and will affirm the Columbia Theatre’s value to the community.*

Historic Auditorium $2 millionLobby $1 millionStage $ 500,000Mezzanine $ 100,000Green Room $ 100,000Dressing Rooms $ 50,000 each

*A current list of “available” naming opportunities is available upon request.

MeeTiNg The $12.6 MilliON ChAlleNge

Back of House Renovation

Back of House Circulation

Theatre Seating

Accessible Seating

Front of House Renovation

expansion PlansCTPA is committing all of its financial resources to the $12.6 million renovation of the historic Columbia Theatre, which is the “Crown Jewel” and pride of this community. Escalating costs of “new” construction have necessitated a delay in the planned expansion and building of a “new” flexible performance space. The Board is committed to having a smaller flexible performance space for programming and for Longview Stageworks. It is actively pursuing an alternative site that can be affordably rehabbed.

“The Longview City Council is very excited to offer a $1.5 million challenge grant for the renovation of our unique Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. This project will be the cornerstone of a revitalized Downtown Longview and will continue to bring the theatre back to its prominence as a key asset in our City’s history and vitality.” —Dennis Weber, Mayor,

City of Longview, 2006 & 2007

renovation

Preservation & Renovation of historic Theatre: In 2007, CTPA and the PFD Board selected LMN Architects of Seattle for the renovation. The project is estimated to take 12 months and will address the following: Auditorium—This project will protect and enhance CTPA’s architectural integrity and excellent acoustics. A state-of-the-art heating and ventilation system will be installed with sensors that will adjust the temperature in the auditorium and stage to ensure artist and patron comfort. All seating will be replaced with wider seats that are period-appropriate (circa 1925). Additional New ADA-approved seating will be provided for individuals with disabilities. The Theatre’s interior design features and period light fixtures will be cleaned and repaired.

Backstage/Stage— All electrical, lighting, sound and audio visual equipment will be upgraded and safety equipment installed.

Basement—Capital improvements will include costly water mitigation that will permanently seal the basement and reclaim this space for storage for sets, props and technical equipment. The City of Longview’s $1.5 million grant is earmarked for this task.

Dressing Rooms—The number and size of dressing rooms will increase to accommodate larger casts (off stage right and in the current administrative office area). The dressing rooms will provide adequate ventilation, bathrooms and showers. A laundry and wardrobe area will be added.

Green Room—Social interaction between artists and patrons will be encouraged with the addition of a new Green Room that will be located in the current administrative office area.

Mezzanine—Its historic features will be enhanced through improved lighting, a new built-in bar/concession and other patron amenities.

Restrooms/Lobby—The current lobby will be expanded to include a new box office and new restrooms. The ADA-compliant restrooms will meet the needs of patrons for years to come.

“The Columbia Theatre has provided many fond memories and entertainment for my family. It is my hope that this tradition will continue for years to come for families throughout Southwest Washington.” —Jeannie Wertheimer

renovation

Project TimelineAll project funding must be secured by July 2008 to meet the State’s requirement to begin construction by December 2008. The renovation is expected to take 12 months and will be completed by fall 2009. CTPA will secure performance spaces offsite for its 2008-09 Season.

Capital Campaign leadershipRick Wollenberg – Honorary ChairJackie Evans*Gerald FlaskerudSarah Koss*Joan Landau*Dan and Cindy OuelletteNed Piper*Leslie Sammons Roth*

*Steering Committee Member

Helen Gundlach – Capital Campaign DirectorGian Paul Morelli – Executive Director

Columbia Theatre Mission—To enrich and celebrate the cultural life of the community through the performing arts and to provide leadership in the preservation of its historic theatre.

1231 Vandercook Way • Longview WA 98632 • (360) 423.1011 • www.columbiatheatre.com

transformation