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During Hurricane Harvey, the Pines Theater in downtown Silsbee suffered major damage and had to be closed. Water from the damaged roof destroyed equipment, chairs, walls and other things.
Work is underway on the old landmark that is being resurrected. The roof has been completely replaced, areas in the walls and foundation has been repaired. Inside the theater was gutted before being abated, according to Silsbee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa Smart.
Last week, work began on removing mold, asbestos and lead from the Pines theater in the downtown area.
“We have started the mold, lead and asbestos removal on the inside and getting the foyer area cleaned up,” said Smart, adding that the work is being done by AAR Incorporated of Houston and Honestly Environmental Services.
The next step, after the abatement, will be getting all the the electrical, plumbing and HVAC checked, repaired, and up to code.
Over the past three years, the Save the Pines Project has raised about $400,000 to restore the building. All the money has been raised through grants, private contributions, fundraising and support from the community.
Smart said the project has three major annual fundraising events — including the Taste of Silsbee, Chili Cook-off and Giving Tuesday — and has partnered with Cruise ‘N Silsbee and the Fifth Street Cruisers to put out a 2024 calendar that can be purchased through the Save The Pines Project at www.betterunite.com/savethepines. Other fundraisers included “name in lights” rental on the theater marquee, selling t-shirts and cups.
The plan is for leveling the floor to have multi-purpose use with either chairs or tables. Also, the project includes the renovation phase and wrap up with the screen, projector, lighting, furnishings, and audio-visual equipment needs.
Once reopened, according to Smart, the theater will be available to rent for venues, parties, weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, recitals, pageants, conferences, corporate gatherings, special events, and more.
She noted the theater will be able to seat 200 people.
“We are even looking into doing concert series, showing old and holiday movies on weekends, and even a comedy series,” Smart added.
During the group’s annual Chili Cook-off on Oct. 21, the public got a chance to see the progress inside the building.
“We were able to do tours during the chili cook-off so people could see the past, present and future of the Pines,” said Smart. “They were able to look in the theater area and see what work is needed to be done.”
The total cost of renovating the theater is $2.1 million.
“We are hoping to be finished in the next 3-4 years, depending on how quick we can raise money and how quick we can get the work done,” she said.
Smart noted the project is its own entity — The Pines Event Center — and is not part of the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce.
The theater, built in 1948, damaged in 2017, showed first-run, familyfriendly movies at $1 during the week and $3-5 on weekends.