AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine's capital city is spending $300,000 to help restore and reopen a historic theater that closed decades ago.
The Kennebec Journal reports that Augusta officials see opening the Colonial Theater as a key to revitalizing the downtown area. The theater closed in 1969.
The nonprofit group working on the restoration won't get the public money until the project is substantially completed. The project is estimated to cost up to $6 million.
The theater opened in 1913. The restoration project includes adding a 13,000-square-foot, multi-story building next to it to provide better access and more space for the theater. The theater would have about 800 seats.
Mayor David Rollins says the restoration of the theater will "change the city.''