Progress magazine
cover story
New look, ownership, management and board bring renaissance to Modesto’s State Theatre
By Heidi Howell
Exciting
new changes are around the corner for the historic State Theatre in
downtown Modesto. Starting July 1, 2005, the doors will close for
roughly four months while the building undergoes safety and cosmetic
changes. The result will be a first-class entertainment venue for all to
enjoy.
“It will look refreshed,” says Mike Zagaris, chairman of
the board of the State Theatre of Modesto Inc. “We’re working on
everything from signage and new exterior paint, to health and safety
issues.”
Zagaris, who is spearheading the renovation,
fund-raising and transfer of ownership, leads a newly-appointed,
10-member board. “Every single member of the group brings to the table
something very, very strong,” he says.
Currently owned by the
Downtown Arts Project, the theater officially changes hands June 30,
2005, when it will become the property of the State Theatre of Modesto
Inc., a non-profit organization recently formed to save the theater.
“The
outgoing board of directors and leadership, under the direction of
Marian Martino, have been extremely cooperative and helpful with this
transition,” Zagaris says.
A new beginning
The
renovation concept was inspired by Mayor Jim Ridenour, who contacted
Zagaris with some concerns he had about the viability of the State
Theatre. After meeting with a number of existing board members of the
Downtown Arts Project and other community leaders, Zagaris concluded,
“In order for the State Theatre to be saved, it required a very big
initiative.”
He continues, “The initiative involved creating a
new non-profit organization and recruiting many of the very best people
in the community to serve on its board,” Zagaris says. “We were able to
secure commitments for about $1.25 million within about a 10-week
period, and have a desire and a need to raise an additional $1.25
million either through cash or in-kind contributions,” he notes.
“We
also needed to secure professional management, which has been achieved
through an arrangement with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra — whose
management team will oversee the State Theatre on a day-to-day basis,”
Zagaris says.
“We now have an entity in place, a board of
directors that is committed to raising the necessary resources to make
the project happen and a management agreement with the Modesto Symphony
Orchestra. It’s very, very exciting,” he says.
Coming out of the woodwork
Another
significant factor involves commitments from the business community.
“We have been fortunate to have several people come forward to assist,”
Zagaris says. “This is a only a partial list, as every day, more and
more people volunteer to help.” He describes some of the donations
accepted to date:
• The Building Industry Association of Central California will provide leadership in the area of renovations to the facility.
• Guy Simile of Simile Construction has volunteered his company’s time to handle construction management of the renovations.
• Kirkes Electric has volunteered to do all the necessary electrical work.
• Will and Jeff Grover at Solecon are donating the entire fire sprinkler system.
•
Michelle Lacy of Michelle Lacy Interiors has donated her professional
services to oversee the interior design issues related to the facility.
•
Retired architect George Badal and the design team at Commercial
Architecture, headed by Ted Brandvold, are donating their time to
provide the architectural expertise for the project.
“We’re still only at the beginning of the process of recruiting people to help on this large project,” Zagaris says.
That’s entertainment
Zagaris
believes future programming for the State Theatre will be vibrant and
in greater conformance to the physical facility than in the past. “We
feel it’s very important for the programming fit the facility and the
desires of the public, and for the programming to compliment and support
the other venues in the community.”
Paul Zdunek, executive
director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association, adds, “Our
management team is delighted to be a part of the historic State
Theatre’s renaissance. We look forward to designing a programming plan
for the State Theatre that will rival any arts house in Northern
California. We are honored to assist in preserving 70 years of memories
and creating new ones for the entire community to enjoy.”
A worthy cause
Zagaris
reports that it’s in the best interest of local businesses to support
non-profits such as the State Theatre. “The State Theatre provides an
opportunity for performances and films to be shown to the public that
otherwise wouldn’t be available in this area. I think it adds to the
quality of life in our community. Chamber members should support it
because supporting any activity that improves the vibrancy of cultural
life in the community is a great investment,” Zagaris says.
“In a
very short period of time, a large number of wonderful people have
gotten together to contribute time, energy and money to save the State
Theatre from demolition,” Zagaris notes. “We’re reaching out to the
trades, businesses and individuals in the community for their
assistance. All in all, we’re on our way, but we’re not there yet.”
Chamber
member Heidi Howell is a Modesto copywriter with more than 10 years of
experience creating marketing, advertising and corporate text for local
and national clients.
>sidebar
State Theatre Board of Directors
• Kirstie Boyett, human resources director, Boyett Petroleum
• Jeffrey P. Burda, president, Modesto Commerce Bank; chief financial officer-treasurer, State Theatre of Modesto Inc.
• Lynn Dickerson, publisher and president, The Modesto Bee
• Mitchell S. Gagos, president, Gagos Properties, Ltd.; vice chair, State Theatre of Modesto Inc.
• Ronald J. Malik, entrepreneur
•
James D. Mayol, attorney, The Law Offices of Mayol & Barringer;
secretary/general counsel, Pacific Southwest Container, LLC; secretary,
State Theatre of Modesto Inc.
• Bob Quintella, deputy director, City of Modesto
• June A. Rogers, State Theatre supporter
• Robert Stewart, president, Delta Brands Inc.
• Ridge Sutter, owner, Sutco Construction
• Michael P. Zagaris, president, PMZ Real Estate; chairman of the board, State Theatre of Modesto Inc.
Past donors commended
The
State Theatre of Modesto Inc. board appreciates the past contributions
of community members. “It’s difficult to ascertain all of the
commitments of recognition that have been made by the Downtown Arts
Project over the years, but we’re making every effort to see that
people’s contributions are honored,” says Mike Zagaris, chairman of the
board for the State Theatre of Modesto Inc.
New contributions welcome
“If
anybody wants to discuss investing in this wonderful asset for our
community, any member of our board would be happy to talk with them
about how they might be able to help,” Zagaris says. Until a permanent
post office box is established, monetary donations may be sent to the
attention of Mike Zagaris, 1600 North Carpenter Road, Suite B, Modesto,
CA 95351. Checks may be made payable to the State Theatre of Modesto
Inc.
© HHWS for Modesto Chamber of Commerce
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