Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon to close in June for renovations

MOUNT VERNON - The Lincoln Theatre will close June 1 for renovations to improve the building's safety, comfort and accessibility.

Upgrades include HVAC and fire suppression systems, as well as an ADA-accessible backstage area. Renovations should be finished by Oct. 8.

"I have not heard anything but good feedback from anyone," Lincoln Theatre Director of Operations Jessica Waggoner said about the theater's plans.

The temperature inside the Lincoln is managed by a 1920s belt-driven blower. Despite modifications, the theater still does not stay cool during warmer months.

Lincoln Theatre

This machine in the basement of the Lincoln Theatre has been controlling the temperature of the building for about 100 years. Modifications have been made to modernize it as well. During the Lincoln's renovations, there is a plan to install an HVAC system.

"I know it doesn't sound great when I say I'm excited for air conditioning, but I know how much functionality it adds," Waggoner said.

Air conditioning will prevent dangerous heat and enable the Lincoln to serve as a cooling center.

A sprinkler system will be installed in the ceiling of the main area. Sprinklers will remain covered to preserve the historic ceiling and will pop out only in the event of a fire.

Lincoln Theatre

The ceiling at the Lincoln Theatre. There are plans to install a sprinkler system that blends into the ceiling through a textural drop-down system.

The Lincoln Theatre has already completed the first phase of its ADA accessibility plan by adding more seating.

The backstage changing rooms for performers are not easily accessible because of steep stairs, and several areas are uneven.

Performers with mobility issues who need to make wardrobe changes must use the box office and use the ramp up to the stage.

"It adds a lot of time," Waggoner said about the process.

The plan is to add an ADA-compliant lift down to the changing rooms and level the floor.

Installing HVAC will remove the large ceiling ducts, which people have hit their heads on.

But the ducting is covered in signatures and drawings, making it part of the culture of the changing rooms.

Lincoln Theatre

A small, steep staircase leads into the backstage changing rooms of the Lincoln Theatre. There is a plan to make the area ADA accessible and remove the air ducts during the renovations.

Some duct tiles will be used to create a mosaic wall in the room. Donors may take panel home.

The project has a cost of $4 million, which includes cost of the fundraising campaign and staff retention. As of May 20, $1.3 million is still needed.

About $2.4 million was raised in the two years before the Centennial Campaign started in January - $1 million from a state grant, and the rest from private donors, foundations, the city and the county.

Since late January, Waggoner said the Lincoln has averaged about $75,000 per month in donations.

Donations can range from as little as $5, where the donor will receive recognition with a paper popcorn cut-out in front of the theater, to $1,000 for a name or message on a seat.

Local breweries have made the Lincoln Centennial IPA, and Revival Lounge offers two specialty cocktails. Proceeds go to the campaign.

If the funds are not raised, Waggoner said the renovations will have to be completed in phases, delaying the project.

A dueling pianos fundraiser is set for May 29. Professional pianists will play audience requests to raise donations for the Centennial Campaign.

"It's a high-energy, all-request sing-along," Waggoner said. "It's a lot of fun."

More information about the show is available at lincolntheatre.org/live-dueling-pianos

During renovations, the Lincoln will host Pine Square Cinema in August in Pine Square a half-block from the theater, and will host theater camps off-site.

"We will probably have more to come," Waggoner said.

For details on how to support the Lincoln Theatre's Centennial Campaign, visit lincolntheatre.org/centennial-campaign.

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 5:53 PM.