New state funding helps finish The Historic Ohio Theatre restoration project

TOLEDO, Ohio — After nearly two decades of fundraising efforts and setbacks, leaders at The Historic Ohio Theatre say a major restoration project can finally near completion.

The theater on Lagrange Street will receive $500,000 in state funding as part of Ohio's 2026 capital budget.

Theatre leaders say the funding represents the final piece of a multi-million-dollar restoration project that began after lightning struck the building in 2008, destroying its marquee and damaging the exterior.

“This money indicates the final step needed to finish the restoration so that the Ohio Theatre can keep standing for generations to come,” said Aimee Reid, executive artistic director of the Children's Theatre Workshop of Toledo.

The restoration effort is one of 22 projects sharing more than $5 million in new state funding across Lucas County.

State Rep. Elgin Rogers Jr. led the initiative to secure the funding. He said state Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson and various other lawmakers supported the effort.

“These are just community-based organizations, and they deserve it," he said. "They need it, and they're doing the toughest work in some of the toughest communities."

The funding package includes nearly $1.2 million for Mission Point, a development designed to provide housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.

Other investments will support Unison Health, the Toledo Museum of Art and a new fire training and rescue facility in Oregon.

“When you collaborate with community organizations, you can come up with great projects that are worthwhile funding and supporting,” Rogers said.

Valentine Theatre in downtown Toledo will also receive part of the funding.

"We are deeply thankful for this investment in the future of the Valentine Theatre," said executive director Michael Murray. 

"This support allows us to preserve a treasured historic asset while strengthening our ability to serve the Toledo community for generations to come,” he said.

For leaders at The Historic Ohio Theatre, the investment is about more than preserving a historic building.

“It’s the home for 150 theater kids from the greater Toledo area, and it's where their happy place is,” Reid said. 

It could take several months for money to be distributed, according to Reid. But the theatre will be on track to finish construction in six months, she said.

“We're excited to finally show everybody the outcome and how much it's been worth it to make sure that this building is cared for,” Reid said.