After 35 years, the Historic Lansdowne Theater could open its doors to the public as early as summer 2023, writes Katheleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

The accelerated timetable was helped by an additional $3.5 million in county and federal funds, including $2 million from the American Rescue Plan.

Twelve months of construction is set to start in June or July, said Matthew Schultz, president/CEO of the nonprofit Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp.

Years of neglect put reconstruction costs at $16.5 million.

The ARPA grant means two of the largest contracts–electrical and plumbing—will go to Delaware County-based union contractors.

The theater’s leaded glass windows will be restored by a Lansdowne-based artisan. Theater seat foam rubber will come from a Yeadon company.

The 1,280-seat theater has been closed since 1987. The nonprofit has raised money to restore and reopen the 1927 theater as a live performance venue.

It’s hoped the theater will bring in concertgoers from all over who will stay in the area for dining and shopping.

“After many years, we’re ready and raring to go and start to bring the benefits to Lansdowne, eastern Delaware County and the county as a whole,” Schultz said.

Read more at the Daily Times about the Lansdowne Theater opening.

Here’s a 2017 video about the Lansdowne Theater project.