Marblehead Little Theater nets grant but still has way to go

MARBLEHEAD – The Marblehead Little Theater has received a $60,000 Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund Grant in June, bringing the total amount of grants the group has received to $140,000 – and the MLT is planning a fund-raising drive.The MCFF grants are awarded to stimulate capital projects and as MLT spokesman Doug Hill told selectmen Wednesday evening, “We have to match the money.”In fact, the MLT has to do better than that. Hill estimated that the theater needs $320,000 in renovations, including an elevator, to open the second and third floors of its building to the public.The theater took over the former downtown fire station it occupies nine years ago and has been using the first floor for plays, classes, movie nights and an ever-expanding variety of other community purposes since 2005.Ironically, Hill’s appearance before the board was marred by cable broadcast problems – the audio portion of the meeting was transmitted but the picture was fuzzy at best – so he’s been invited back to give more details on the fund-raising July 23.However, he shared the basic reason behind the drive to finish the building project: “We need the building to be fully occupied because it is fully used.” And he mentioned that the sale of patio bricks, which can be inscribed with names or messages for $150, is ongoing.In the past 12 months granite wall caps and bronze railings were added to the brick terrace at the firehouse entrance. The inscribed bricks were placed on the patio and the handicap access ramp was installed as well.Volunteers built and funded a new storage shed behind the firehouse, concrete back steps and railings were erected and a heating system and sump pump were installed. The tower now boasts a new steel stairwell and lights, a fire alarm and sprinkler system were installed as well. An old staircase has been removed to make way for the elevator shaft. The heating ventilation and air conditioning system is being installed on the second floor.