As we have been reporting to you earlier this year, the Strand renovation is moving along nicely. According to the AJC, there are quite some mixed opionion on the progress that is being made with the renovation/restoration.

Published on: 05/18/06

The Strand Theater on the Marietta Square plans to host a grand reopening next summer. The 1930s-era theater is being restored to seat 500 for shows and will include a coffee shop and an open-air reception area. Last week, the Cobb County Commission approved a $250,000 grant to push restoration along. Friends of the Strand, the nonprofit group restoring the theater, has a 50-year lease on the building, which is owned by the Goldstein family. The lease is rent-free for the first eight years. After that, rent will start at $10,000 a month.

While the county government agreed to a contribution, the matter has been a little sticky. A commissioner and various Cobb residents have said they are wary of putting tax money into the venture.

Here is a snapshot of some opinions of residents of Cobb County according to an AJC article

Cobb Opinions asked people in the Marietta Square:

Yes. It’s a good idea. If the theater is restored, it would benefit the whole area.

JAMIE HUMPHREY, Marietta

Maybe. Generally, I don’t think government should give money to private groups. And, I wonder what I might have to give up if the county is spending tax money that way. But, I’d rather the government give money to something like that than social welfare programs.

DAVID DAWSON, Acworth

No. I don’t necessarily think the county should spend money on the theater; the city perhaps, since it is in Marietta. I live in east Cobb, and I don’t get up to the square that often, so I’m not sure it would directly benefit me. I do hope that the private group trying to restore it makes a go of it. I’ve seen various groups through the years try to restore it.

TIFFANY McKINNON, East Cobb

No. If it will be privately operated and privately benefit from profits, then the theater should not receive money from the government. Once it opens, it will pay for itself. It will be successful.

KEITH HINES, Marietta

Yes. I think the county should give the money. My family is here all the time, and we would use it. Sure, the theater won’t benefit everyone, but nothing ever does. Besides, for the county, $200,000 is a drop in the bucket compared with what it spends money on.

LAURIE STRICKLAND, Marietta

Yes. Sure. Contribute the money. It is a great idea to keep a nice historic site going. The money will go there, or someplace else. We might as well know where it goes.

CHRISTINA TEMBO, Marietta

What do you all think? Is the progress that’s being made a good thing? Is it to connected to certain Marietta families that have a vested interest in the project? What are you thoughts/opinions? Discuss it below!

Community leaders and the city honored donors and friends of Glover Park’s renovation during a 20th anniversary celebration this week on the Square. In 1852 Marietta Mayor John Heyward Glover presented the city with land for its first park in the center of the town’s square. In the mid 1980s, prominent Cobb County developer John Williams donated money for a complete renovation of the park, and a blue-ribbon panel raised additional funds to help make the park what it is today. The renovation began in October of 1985, and the park was reopened in a public celebration May 17, 1986.

The Cobb Commission voted Tuesday to approve a $250,000 grant toward the Square’s Strand Theater renovation fund. However, the money won’t be given until the “Friends of the Strand” has raised $2 million (of a $5 million goal) . Friends president, Earl Smith, has suggested that tax revenue could be contributed to the fund, which might then see some donations coming in from charitible foundations. The fact that the Strand is a privately-owned property has caused some questions about the use of tax money for fund donations. Regardless of where the funds come from, Friends of the Strand hopes this county grant will spur on the project toward the grand opening goal of next summer (2007). For more information, go to Friends of the Strand website.

We wanted to follow up on a story we reported a few weeks back - The restoration of the Strand Theatre. The Friends of the Strand group is working to restore the Strand Theater to its original 1936 art deco design. Currently, the group is working to attract a coffee house or other type establishment to be located in the inside of the renovated theatre, according to our sources.

Recently, the Friends of the Strand asked the Cobb County Commission to make a $250,000 donation to its effort to restore the old Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. What are your thoughts on this project? Will it have a positive impact on the Marietta Square? What are your opinions? Share them below by clicking the “Share your Opinion” icon.

thanks to Andy Sharp/AJC for the detailed article..

The Friends of the Strand has raised about $1.2 million to renovate the Strand Theatre on Marietta Square. The non-profit organization is trying to raise $5 million to restore the theater.

The not-for-profit organization is trying to raise $5 million to restore the building and create an endowment. The group is asking Cobb to make the $250,000 grant when its fund-raising effort reaches $2 million. So far Friends of the Strand has raised about $1.2 million, said Earl Smith, the group’s chairman.

When finished, the theater will seat 500 people and be used to show classic films, for hosting film festivals and for live productions and concerts. The upper story will be used as a reception area with open-air seating overlooking the Marietta Square. It will be available for rental to the public.

WHO’S AFFECTED
Everyone who pays taxes in Cobb or visits the Marietta Square.

THE MEETING
The Cobb Commission meeting will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, 100 Cherokee St. in Marietta.

LEARN MORE
Contact your commissioner. Telephone and e-mail addresses can be found at www.cobbcounty.org

Since ancient times, spring has long been celebrated as a season of new life. And though the calendar marks the beginning of spring in late March, it never seems to officially begin until the Square and the city of Marietta are brought back to life. On a social calendar, this was the weekend that spring began in Marietta.

Friday night kicked off the warm season tradition of the Glover Park concert series. Locals and visitors alike made the annual pilgrimage to the Square early Friday evening to set out blankets, chairs, and picnics to reserve their seats for a twilight show. Concert goers wined, dined, and danced to the classic oldies music of Tyn Tymes. The smiles, laughter, and cheers served as evidence that a good time was truly had by all. Whether you missed this event or can’t wait to relive it, you can catch the next concert featuring Jesters on May 26.

The fun at Glover Park was only the initial sign of the weekend spring commencement. Residents and visitors were drawn back outside for the Blue Angels Air Show on Saturday. Time seemed to stand still that afternoon when the Blue Angels took flight around 3:00. The people in and around Marietta were be stilled, even if only for a moment, by the Blue Angels demonstrating their highly skilled tactical maneuvers in Naval aviation. Though high winds and low clouds limited the Angels’ practical ability to really “spread their wings,” the show was impressive nonetheless. They were still able to display such moves as the diamond formation, the starburst, inverted flight, and upward and downward spirals. You can learn more about the Blue Angels at their official website.

Although the weather for a flight demonstration was surprisingly more favorable on Sunday, many Marietta residents settled for only momentary glimpses of the Blue Angels while enjoying the Taste of Marietta.

This annual event reflects the diversity of culture that can be found in our fair city, while reminding us of our beloved southern culture (through the mere abundance of barbecue restaurants alone). Patrons could taste Marietta’s cultural diversity through restaurants such as Brazilian steakhouse, Sal Grosso , the local Irish pub food of Johnnie Maccracken’s and the Asian samplings of Thaicoon and Sushi Bar. Taste was just one of the many senses that were satisfied at this event. Music fans of most genres could find their preference among the variety of bands who entertained with their tunes of country, blues, or rock. The diversity of Marietta was not only experienced through taste and sound, but also through site. The people who participated in the event reaffirmed the cultural variety that Marietta so rightly claims as an attribute to the city. The Taste of Marietta is many things to many people. For nostalgists, it brought the comfort of heritage and tradition. For adventurers, it gave the excitement of trying something new. For most residents of Marietta, it was the experience of both.

This past weekend was one of the best showings Marietta could offer. This weekend represented the annual rebirth of our city, proving it to be a wonderful place to live and visit.

Susan I. McNeel - Arts and Living Editor - WhitlockAvenue.com

The Marietta Square has gone through quite a rebirth in the past few years. Restaurants such as Willie Rae’s and the Marietta Pizza Company are staples on the dining map, while newcomers such as Thaicoon and Kiosco already welcome back loyal patrons. With the campaign to bring back The Strand theater in full swing, you know that what goes around, comes around.

We’d love for you, our loyal readers, to share your memories and stories of “the Square” with us. Anything you’d like to contribute, whether it’s a recollection of the Square when you were a child, old pictures of the Marietta Square or a first impression you had when you moved here, is welcome. We’d also like to hear your thoughts on where you think the Square is going and any ideas for improvements. Blog away, Marietta!

We were honored to have a meeting this past Tuesday with MHS principal and longtime Marietta resident, Leigh Colburn. Leigh took us on a tour of the facility, which was more than impressive. We encountered several teachers who were passionate about their subjects, their classrooms, and the school in general. WhitlockAvenue.com is excited, as we are in the works with MHS to create a subsection of the site devoted to all things Marietta High School. We will spotlight happenings related to the school, including student academic achievements and special events. We also hope to enlist some of MHS’ top journalists to write content for the site.

This is an exciting venture that we will have online soon. As we continue to join forces with our community, our hope is to keep everyone more informed than before and, by involving those who have a passion for Marietta, to bring us a full portrait of our city on a daily basis.

Where is the Marietta High School?

It seems a local neighborhood is having an all-out war over one resident’s decision to split their lot and sell the back half. If you’ve driven through North Woodland Drive lately, you might’ve noticed signs reading, “Save Whitlock Heights!” or “This property not for sale” in the yards of some homeowners. We heard a petition is making the rounds, as well.

Neighbors have listed some reasons why they believe the lot should not be sold. Whitlock Heights has been an established Marietta community for some time now, located right off the Square and Whitlock Avenue. Many of the longtime residents appear threatened by their neighbor’s choice to split the lot and some of the yard signs’ comments come across as quite personal. Here is the Google Map of the location in question - 411 North Woodland Drive,30064:

On a “for sale” flyer for the lot, it shows the lot being approved for splitting last year by a city official. It appears that everything is legal and approved. Now all that’s left for this resident is the approval of his neighbors.

What is your take on this situation? Do you agree with this resident’s decision to split his lot and sell the remainder or do you agree with the preservation sentiments of the other neighbors? Share your opinion by clicking the icon below!

We spoke this morning with Mark Kirk, one of the developers of the new Walnut Grove community of homes. This development is currently underway, with ground being prepared for 18 new homes that will sit on the corner of Whitlock Avenue and Whitlock Drive. Mark, along with his brother, grew up with their family just down Whitlock Avenue from where Walnut Grove will be situated. Obviously, he’s always had an interest in the area.

Kirk told us that the homes will be perfect for empty nesters looking for a great location and all the modern amenities they might not have in their current, older houses. The 18 houses will be spread over 7.5 total acres. This gated community will also feature some preserved areas, featuring beautiful trees and a creek. The architects of Calwell-Cline are designing the houses.

Mr. Kirk said that the lots will be ready for building by this Summer, with some houses ready for residence by the end of 2006 or early 2007.

For more information, call 770.428.7376

A recent article in the MDJ regarding low attendance at our local Museum of History is cause for concern. This is a wonderful place, with much work put into the display of the collection of historical artifacts. The heart of this museum, Dan Cox, has poured his passion for local history into every inch, and he is supported by a fine, dedicated staff. They would love to share, show and tell everything they know about the past of our city with you. If you have not checked the museum out yourself, please support our local historians by visiting the museum. Bring your friends and family and encourage others to do the same. You can visit the Marietta History Museum online at their website: www.mariettahistory.org for more information.

So, what do you think? Are people less interested in local history these days? If so, why? Share your opinion!