1927 Auditorium Plans on Track

    Renovation plans to save Central’s 1927 auditorium for use as a museum and cultural center are moving closer to a reality as architectural renderings and detailed renovation plans have been produced.  A community non-profit group, the Central Cultural Foundation, has been given until June 15 to present plans to the Central Community School Board for approval to proceed.
    Foundation chairman Dave Freneaux shared that the much later addition on the north side of the building to add bleachers for basketball games detracts from the original architecture of the Craftsman style building, and would be removed.  It is also the opinion of the architect and contractor that the original building is solidly built and is in excellent shape, but the addition, probably from the 1950’s, is not as well constructed and would be costly to re-construct to meet building codes.
    Plans call for the building to be returned to its original look, with all new cypress siding and a new roof over the block-construction rear building.  Work will be done to repair sagging roof trusses and all plumbing and electric will be brought up to code during the process.
    Freneaux added that in its final form, the vision is to provide a venue for music, drama, and visual arts programs, to be used for community functions, and to house the museum for the Central/Greenwell Springs Historical Society.