101 Uses for a 1927 Auditorium

    As we near the jumping off point in the effort to save Central’s most historic building, I am confident of the value this 1927 auditorium will have for the Central community.  In my mind and in discussions with those involved in this effort I have envisioned and discussed all of the potential this great old building has.
    Then it occurred to me that most people have not brainstormed and planned for the future of the auditorium, so I would like to share a quick list of things that Central can do with a renovated, air conditioned auditorium with new woodwork and paint.  Well “101 Uses” seemed like a catchy title, but I’m actually only going to give you the 25 I remember at the moment:
A history museum
Rehearsal space for Central theater groups
A place to house memorabilia and photos from Central’s veterans
Performance space for Black Box (small audience, small stage plays)
Exhibit space for art shows
Guitar recitals
Arts & crafts demonstration workshops
Piano recitals
Meeting space for non-profit and civic organizations
Movie night for the community children
Movie night for community adults
Saturday night “open mic” for local musicians
Performance space for invited area bands
Friday night dances
Monthly Cajun dancing
Craft fair
Voice recitals
Fund-raiser garage sale for a local charity
Private parties
Fund-raiser jambalaya dinner for a worthy cause
Class reunions
Performance space for a community chorus
Wedding receptions
Neighborhood Association meetings
Public meetings
    I’m sure with some help we could double this list.  My point is to get everyone thinking about the potential this historic building holds.  I actually consider the historic value of the building itself to be enough of a reason to restore it.  It is the oldest public school building in EBR Parish and it is by far the oldest non-residential building in Central.  That alone is of great value.
Add to that historic value the “101 Uses” for the facility after renovation is completed, and the Central community has an irreplaceable and extremely useful center for culture, history, the arts, and much more.  That, would be Good News for a Great City.