REES Enters Fourth Phase

By Jamie Fleury, Pilot News Staff Writer

MARSHALL COUNTY — As the renovation of The REES transitions into the fourth and final phase, organizers want to share the progress with the community. The REES Progress Tour is being held Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) and Sunday Oct. 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Co-Chairs Randy Danielson and Donna Pontius took the Pilot News on a sneak peek of the building before the tours to provide a preview of what visitors will get to see when they walk through.

To appreciate the effort that has gone into the meticulous design and detailed, fortifying construction of the building, one must understand the mission and vision of those who have poured their hearts, and concrete, into the renovation.

The mission of The REES is to provide a catalyst for the promotion of artistic, educational and cultural events in the region as well as offer a venue to celebrate life and community milestones.

In addition to being a Regional Cities Initiative, The REES has also been named a project in the Marshall County Crossroads Stellar effort. Grant funding from the Regional Stellar Initiative provided support for the fourth and final phase of the project.

The mission of The REES Theatre Inc. now includes the effort to associate and support the efforts of a greater Marshall County Arts & Culture Subcommittee under the Marshall County Crossroads Stellar Committee. Danielson said, “We appreciate having been chosen as a hallmark project.”

Decision makers have focused on solid structural and functional renovation for posterity without sacrificing the preservation of history, honor and memory.

“Art Deco” style wall medallions, designed by late but never forgotten artist and musician Lane Laffoon, will be displayed on the walls of The REES. Pontius hopes to include one of the “Stewie” awards designed and created by Laffoon that was awarded to the winners of the REES Trivia night.

The performing arts stage will be named in honor of the beloved music teacher Robert “Bob” Pickell.

Music that rings through The REES will reverberate the memory of the Presbyterian Church with the dedication of their Baby Grand Piano. The ivory keys of the piano which can be played by a pianist also has the capability of playing itself. Danielson noted, “That will be playing, providing music throughout the venue.”

Sweetwater Sound out of Fort Wayne will be providing acoustical engineering services and installation of the sound equipment, including amplification within the orchestra pit.

All new utilities have been brought into the building; including new water, gas, and sewer lines. A fire suppression system is being installed; along with a drainage system to direct storm water runoff to a sump pump which will protect the foundation of The REES from water damage.

Every inch of the building has been utilized to maximize sufficiency, energy efficiency, and to enhance the joy of human interaction and entertainment experience. Accommodations were orchestrated within the design for performing artists, guests, including a prep area for servers and caterers.

Target capacity for an event is 290; with the facility being approved with a maximum total capacity of 300 to comply with state and local fire codes. Danielson said the venue could hold between 140 and 160 seated guests; space was maximized using a tiered level design.

Danielson emphasized that the building, when finished, will be compliant with all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. “This building, when it opened in 1940 was state-of-the-art.” He added, “The re-opening of this theater for future generations needs to meet the same benchmark. That’s very important to us.”

Visionaries hope to revitalize Downtown Plymouth; economically and inspirationally. The REES was designed to accommodate live performances, educational, art and recreational opportunities. Government and business leaders can use the space for meetings and trainings. Weddings, receptions and worship services can all be celebrated within the walls of the revived theater space.

Fundraising and underwriting for various aspects of the technology and furnishing of The REES will continue with personal donor contacts still being made. The COVID-19 pandemic restricted fundraising efforts for organizations across the nation.  

A permanent endowment fund has been established by the Danielson Family within the Marshall County Community Foundation. Those who would like to support the continued renovation and contribute to long term sustainability should visit www.reesproject.com.

Danielson anticipates a grand reopening no later than the summer of 2021. Those who wish to schedule a tour of The REES who cannot attend the Progress Tours this weekend are welcome to contact Danielson by phone at 574-286-2391 or email at e.r2danielson@comcast.net or Pontius at 574-276-3616 or email at e.apontius@embarqmail.com.

 

Shelley Moore