From Beaufort County Committee of 100

 

The Beaufort County Committee of 100 approved a $37,500 loan to the Beaufort County Arts Council to help facilitate the purchase of the storied Turnage Theater in downtown Washington.

After a presentation by Arts Council and staff, the Committee of 100 Board of Directors discussed how the Committee would participate in the Turnage Theater project. It was decided that given the value of the theater property to the community, its history, and the success and efforts of the Arts Council to continue to grow the arts-rich culture here in Beaufort County, the Committee of 100 would participate in the project by providing a loan of $37,500 to close the real estate transaction. The theater has been closed for over two years since declaring bankruptcy. Bank ownership finally, after unsuccessfully marketing the property, decided to accept an offer from the Beaufort County Arts Council and allow them to significantly expand their arts programs in Beaufort County. The board fully realizes and understands the importance of the arts culture in a community and while this project may directly only create a few jobs, having a strong arts culture will open untold opportunities for new visitors, new residents and new businesses to experience this community.

Beaufort County Committee of 100 is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and was chartered to assist, support and promote economic development in Beaufort County and by this action shows its interest in making this community a better place to live, work and play.