Request for Information (RFI) released for Uptown Theater | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    In the heart of the city, the historic Uptown Theater, completed in 1914, has sat vacant since 1999. The City of Greenville Redevelopment Commission purchased the property, located on 5th Street across from Five Points Plaza, in 2008 with hopes of restoring the building and creating a cultural asset that would enhance the quality of life for Greenville's residents and visitors.

    "We are ready to get some momentum behind this project," said Uptown Greenville Director Bianca Shoneman. "I am hopeful that we can celebrate Uptown Theater Centennial in 2014 by launching a renovation of the building that pulls the building's culture and history together."

    Uptown Greenville and the City of Greenville are asking investors, theater operators and other organized groups and to share their responses on how they would restore and operate the theater.

    Interested respondents can download the Request for Information at www.uptowngreenville.com.

    Responses to the RFI should be submitted with an original signature and ten (10) additional copies and must be received by April 23rd, no later than 2:00pm to the following address:

Uptown Greenville
C/O Uptown Theater
PO Box 92
Greenville, NC 27835

    Questions regarding the solicitation may be addressed to:

    Bianca Shoneman
    Uptown Greenville
    PO Box 92
    Greenville, NC 27835
    Bianca@uptowngreenville.com  •  252.561.8400

    Shoneman hopes to keep and feature, if possible, the building's architectural elements. "Things that make this space unique and beautiful are already in place," she said. "It has modillion cornices, which I've learned are one of the less common types, and these gorgeous half-circle fanlights. I hope to be able to feel the history alive there."

    As much as the benefits to historic preservation and cultural value, the renovation would also serve a practical purpose. "This is a major project for Greenville," Shoneman said. "We are really missing out by not taking advantage of this beautiful and valuable asset that's right here. Once we get this theater renovated, it will be the kind of place that will move our city to the next level in entertainment and performance arts, boost our economy and enhance our quality of life."

    Request for Information:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5Jj0k3sa27ZWWczaWJZcUVPQzQ/edit?usp=sharing

    Appendix A, Theater Survey:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5Jj0k3sa27ZNDI1Ny1sbi0wc0k/edit?usp=sharing

    Appendix B, Uptown Greenville Mid Year Report
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5Jj0k3sa27ZX1I1d2hkQkNaRk0/edit?usp=sharing

    Appendix C, Current Photos
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5Jj0k3sa27ZRnZELXlzZE9DSHM/edit?usp=sharing

    Appendix D, Structural Evaluation
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5Jj0k3sa27ZUUtUVnY5aUNYU28/edit?usp=sharing

    Appendix E, Cost estimate
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5Jj0k3sa27ZRkV3ZHhUTDUtbFk/edit?usp=sharing


    For more information about Uptown Greenville, go to www.uptowngreenville.com or call Director Bianca Shoneman at (252) 561-8400. Contact Carl Rees, Economic Development Manager with the City of Greenville at crees@greenvillenc.gov or (252) 329-4510 or Kelsey Anderson - (828)329-5309, Kelsey@uptowngreenville.com