STANDING in front of the Lebowsky Center are, from left to right: Kathy Brooks, Mike Sarrazin, Mark Agnew, Brian Huska, Carl Ludington. (Courtesy Photo)
The red and white marquee of the Lebowsky Center – a downtown landmark since the late 1940s – is in the process of being structurally refurbished and technologically updated thanks to the efforts of the Owosso Community Players, a matching grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and several local businesses and individuals.
Ludington Electric has generously donated their labor to refurbish and reenergize the electric system to the marquee. The iconic facade will become more energy efficient with the replacement of over 900 yellow and white incandescent bulbs with new LED lights. Also, the original chase light controller has been rebuilt which will allow the bands of yellow lights to ‘travel’ as they did in the 1950s.
Huska Construction is in charge of the roofing and structural modifications needed to re-secure the structure as necessary. Mike Mitts of Michael’s Auto Detailing and Carwash has taken on the task of polishing and buffing the red and white panels of the marquee. All of the metal work is being contracted by SLH Metals who have generously donated their skills to brace the marquee for installation of the new LED digital displays. Mark Agnew of Agnew Graphics and Sign Company was awarded the LED digital portion of the Marquee Restoration Project.
Agnew will be installing two Watchfire 16 mm high resolution units measuring 6 ft. tall by 15 ft. wide. These will mimic the look of the original letters hanging on a wire framework thus keeping the historic appearance of the marquee much the same as it was.
Mark says, “We are honored and excited to be working alongside Huska Construction, Ludington Electric and SLH Metals on this project as it is a collaborative effort for our community.”
Fundraising for the matching portion of the MCACA grant is ongoing even as the work continues. Donations are welcome and some of the old original marquee light bulbs can be purchased by the public. Installation should be completed by mid-October with a ‘Relighting of the Marquee’ event scheduled for early November.
