Grant Funds Enable Major Renovations At The Cassidy Theatre

This is one of two rooms in the basement of the Cassidy Theatre in Parma Heights which recently underwent a total renovation.

The Cassidy Theatre continues to undergo a major transformation both inside and out. The theatre’s two community rooms have been completely renovated using a $50,000 grant the city received from the State of Ohio with the assistance of State Rep. Martin Sweeney (D-14). The funding came from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, according to Parma Heights Mayor Michael P. Byrne.

The interior renovation includes the following:

  • Upgraded energy-efficient lighting.
  • A new electrical system.
  • New wood flooring.
  • New ceilings, and
  • New paint.

“Our hope is to turn the building into a community center in addition to its use as a community theatre, and make the space available to Parma Heights residents,” Mayor Byrne said.  “One room has a capacity for 50 guests, and the other has room for 100.  Residents have the opportunity to rent one or both spaces for occasions such as baby and bridal showers, wedding receptions, or birthday parties.”

The exterior of the building is also receiving a makeover, which will be funded by an additional $50,000, awarded to the city through the Cuyahoga County Supplemental Grant program. The program is brand new.

Parma Heights was one of a select few cities to receive a grant in the amount of $50,000. The supplemental grant program dollars were derived from casino tax revenues, Byrne said. That grant program is administered by the Cuyahoga County Department of Development.

It will pay for:

  • Replacement of exterior wood on the front and sides of the building with a new vinyl material.

“The old wood has been extensively damaged by the elements and insects,” Byrne said.  “While the interior work is already complete, the exterior efforts will be undertaken and finished by the end of the summer.”

The theatre opened to the public in September 1974 under the administration of the late Parma Heights Mayor Paul W. Cassidy.  Originally known as the Greenbrier Theatre, it was renamed in Cassidy’s honor several years later. Both he, and his surviving wife, Elise, an actress, were instrumental in making the community theatre a reality for residents and the community-at-large. It is located in the Greenbrier Commons complex at 6200 Pearl Road.

“We’re really excited about having the chance to improve both the interior and the exterior of the theater for our community. We think of the theatre as our crown jewel.  We also hope residents of the community will not be shy about making use of the new amenities as a community center,” Byrne said.

He urged residents to contact the Parma Heights Recreation Department at (440) 884-9606 if they would like to rent the newly-renovated interior spaces, or e-mail recreation@parmaheightsoh.gov.

Rick Haase

Rick Haase handles Public Relations and Special Projects in the Office of Parma Heights Mayor Michael P. Byrne

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Volume 9, Issue 7, Posted 2:40 PM, 07.13.2017