The REES seeks funding assistance to pay off debt from city council and redevelopment commission

Representatives from The REES Theatre appeared before the Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Redevelopment Commission this month with a request for financial assistance.

Donna Pontias and Randy Danielson gave a brief history of The REES, which dates to the Civil War.  He discussed some of the problems they uncovered   

Over six years, through four phases of construction, and thanks to the generosity of many, the REES Theatre has been restored to its original grandeur.

Randy told the city council, “The historical significance of The REES is as important today as it was in the past.” Improvements to the building included fixing the sinking foundation, a collapsed ceiling, and an unsupported auditorium floor.

The mission of The REES is to provide a conduit for the support and promotion of artistic, educational, and cultural events in the region, as well as offering a venue to celebrate live and community milestones.   

REES Board President Pat Popa and Managing Director Brian Teall participated in the discussion. Teall discussed the economic impact and the boost in tourism that the theatre generates. He mentioned that the multi-purpose facility provides affordable access to the arts through community events that also attract visitors from outside the area. Pat highlighted the additional economic benefits to downtown restaurants from customers who dine there before attending an event at The REES.      

Danielson told the council that construction on the third-floor space of Stewie and Opal’s Hideaway, more commonly known as Stewie’s.  The area will provide an updated admin space and enable live streaming to nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Marshall County. This gathering space will also increase revenue from private events.  Looking to the future, Danielson said they have set a goal to purchase the NaRie building, located to the north of them, by 2027. The city and The REES are applying for a Community Development Block Grant to restore and utilize the building for retail and theatre support space.    

Pontias said the total investment for The REES has been $4.2 million, with $2,115,000 from federal, state, and municipal funding, as well as two city façade grants of $25,000 each.  Private donor support exceeded $2 million, comprising both financial and in-kind donations.

Danielson presented a concept of improvements to LaPorte Street that will enhance the community.  The streetscape project has a cost estimate of $150,000. Stone Excavating and Hundt Concrete have offered to cover up to half of the project's cost with an in-kind donation to The REES and the community.  The project would widen the sidewalk by about 2 feet, add tree wells and trees, along with decorative lighting and two or three brick inlays with donor inscriptions.  Danielson requested the city’s involvement, up to $75,000, to assist with the project.

The “Big Ask” came from Ponitas. She reminded the city council that The REES, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Their financial status includes $390,000 of existing debt. They make $23,000 annually in interest payments. They appeared before the city council seeking to achieve a balanced operating budget, which would enable them to focus on financial stability through grants, sponsorships, and membership. 

Danielson said, “Funding The Rees is not just an investment in a building, it’s a commitment to preserving a cultural cornerstone for generations to come.”

Councilman Dave Morrow asked how paying off the debt would impact The REES, and Danielson replied that from July 1 to July 1 of this year, their financial picture had been a negative $36,000. He said it causes The REES to continually seek additional fundraising opportunities.    Danielson said, “It ties our hands and is a ball and chain, and the REES truly is a public charity, and it’s never going to be a financial money maker.”  He said they do want to break even.     

Council members heard positive comments from Jack Davis and former mayor Mark Senter. 

During a short discussion, city council members voiced their support for The REES, but didn’t have an immediate plan to assist The REES.  

Mayor Robert Listenberger said, “We cannot stop. We’ve got momentum. I applaud you all and Redevelopment for everything they’ve done in the last few years. I feel we cannot stop the momentum.” He believes there is a financial solution to address the request, but he thought the city needed to take some time to delve a little deeper with the city’s attorney and clerk-treasurer. He does support the request from The REES. 

The request was tabled, but the focus is on finding funding to assist The REES.