08/05/2014
Melba Theater, Circa 1910, To Be Demolished Through Joint Community Effort
One less eyesore will blight uptown Corpus Christi thanks to the intervention of the Uptown Neighborhood Initiative, a group of local business owners and residents whose mission is to revitalize Uptown Corpus Christi.
The former Melba Theater, 1016 Leopard Street, will be demolished Thursday, August 7, 2014, through a joint effort between the owner, Melba Theater, LLC, Uptown Neighborhood Initiative, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Gainco, Inc. and the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority.
“Mr. Ransleben, representative of the owners, contacted me for assistance to demolish the theater which has been an issue for the owners and City of Corpus Christi’s Code Enforcement Division,” said Darlene Gregory, Uptown Neighborhood Initiative Chairman. “As the theater shares a wall with Waterfront Communications LLC’s building at 1024 Leopard Street, it is a major demolition that affects our building, requiring a skilled demo contractor. The east wall of 1024 Leopard will be re-built simultaneously as a concrete block wall.”
Gregory reached out to several City Departments and Gainco, Inc. to assist with the demolition. Theresa Nix, President of Gainco, SBA Small Business Person of the Year 2012, has long been a supporter of UNI, and agreed to take on the demolition challenge. City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Services waived landfill fees in exchange for brick from the building to construct a wet road at the City’s landfill facility. City Development Services waived demo permit fees, and City Traffic Engineering waived street closure fees. CCRTA re-routed 60% of its bus routes to accommodate the street closure of Leopard Street between Waco and Artesian Streets.
“It takes a village of willing individuals to effect positive change in a neighborhood,” said Jane Haas, CCRTA Marketing Director and UNI member. “CCRTA and UNI are committed to being an active catalyst for growth and beautification of our city. This is a fine example of how citizens, public entities, non-profit organizations and the business community can effect community change by virtue of their relationships, without cost to taxpayers.” The project would have cost approximately $250,000 in demolition, disposal and permit fees, without the willingness of all to participate and recycle the debris for new use.
Ranselben said, “Melba Theater, LLC recognized the structure could not be rehabilitated, and wanted to be part of the revitalization of Uptown.”
“Private/public partnerships like this resolve many of Corpus Christi’s community revitalization issues. This is the sixth event and demolition in 4 years UNI has been able to spearhead that directly affects Uptown’s rebirth.” said Gregory.
A press conference will be held at 1016 Leopard at 10am Thursday, August 7.
