Lincoln Theater deal done

• Published: Mar 5, 2009 - Page: 1D - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame has completed its planned purchase of the Lincoln Theater on Myrtle Street in Old South Baton Rouge.

The Legislature last year set aside $350,000 for the purchase, and the Foundation for Historical Louisiana said last month it expected the deal to close soon.

The foundation assisted with the process, donating $3,000 to go toward closing costs and the appraisal. It put the 600-seat, 1950s-era theater on its list of “Treasures in Trouble” in July.

The seller was Don Calloway of B&D properties.

“The Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame is very proud to be the owner of this historic landmark,” said Brenda Perry, the museum’s founder. “Our goal is to enhance it and make it a national tourist attraction. We understand the historical significance and we’re trying to let the nation know … what we have to offer.”

Perry said the museum raised $100,000 in matching funds that went toward acquiring land and servitude around the theater, land that will be used to construct the museum building. The theater would be used for community theater, plays and museum events and programs.

Perry said a ground breaking will be held in June on the museum building and it could be open by the summer of 2010. She said she would like to see the theater opened by the fall.

The entire project is expected to cost $1.7 million, which Perry said will likely come from the state and private donors.

She said the next phase of fundraising will go toward  planning and some immediate restoration work on the theater, which was damaged during Hurricane Gustav.

The Hall of Fame’s artifacts are in storage, Perry said.

The theater, built in 1950 and closed since 2000, played a major role in the area’s civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke there during a planning meeting for the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott.

“We have had our eye on this building and just making sure it was not torn down and that everyone recognizes how significant it is,” said Carolyn Bennett, executive director of the Foundation for Historical Louisiana.

Bennett said the Hall of Fame has agreed to list the building on the national register and with the East Baton Rouge Historic Preservation Commission. Plans will include restoring the marquee and renovate the building according to federal standards for historic buildings.