A new report says Oregon's historic theaters hold promise as economic engines for their communities. However, it also notes many are struggling to maintain operations.
Elgin's historic opera house is one of dozens of historic theaters anchoring main streets all over Oregon.
Aaron Scott / OPB
Main Street theaters represent an opportunity for cities looking to bolster their economic prospects. A report by the University of Oregon's Community Service Center finds that they account for a collected $23 million in revenue, and employ nearly 200 people full time and 504 part-time workers.
But the health of the theaters is tenuous. The youngest of Oregon's historic theaters is 66 years old, and most are overdue for repairs or seismic upgrades. Forty-four percent of responding theaters weren't sure if they would break even this year.
The report notes a group of state agencies — including the Oregon Arts Commission — are in talks to develop a five-year action plan to help theaters address their needs.
The report is part of a research project of the University of Oregon's Community Service Center. The findings are on the table for a state conference on economic development being held Oct. 7 in The Dalles.