The renovation of a century-old theater in downtown Clovis is expected to see completion some time in 2024, owing to an infusion of grant support. Located at 409 Main Street, the Lyceum Theater was completed in 1920 during the era of silent movies and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places for nearly two decades. Designed by the Kansas City, Missouri architectural firm of Boller Brothers, which specialized in theater design especially in the 1920s and 30s, the Lyceum has been closed for most of the last decade. Grant funding of some $500,000 from the New Mexico MainStreet program, along with another $500,000 secured the Saving America's Treasures program, which is administered by the National Park Service, have bolstered hopes that the Lyceum may be only months away from being restored. That work will include installing a new sign for the theater, as well as painting the exterior, updating interior and stage lighting, and redoing both the auditorium and stage flooring. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the City of Clovis has previously installed "new sound and lighting and remodeled the restrooms." In the first several decades of its existence, the Lyceum, which was acquired by the City of Clovis in 1982, was a stopping off point for Hollywood actors advertising their latest film appearances, hosting the likes of Shirley Temple, Gene Autry, and Will Rogers. The theater in 1929 aired one of the first talking movies in New Mexico with a showing of the film Chinatown Nights starring Wallace Beery. By Garry Boulard
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