Plans for improvements to the historic Village Players Building (former home of the Fort Thomas Women’s Club) would augment city plans to increase accessibility and pedestrian traffic flow within the Central Business District.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the stage one development plan for the building at 8 North Fort Thomas Avenue at a public hearing in April. The approval was on the condition of a utility easement from Duke Energy, but plans are moving forward.
Improvements to the area behind the building involve the removal and replacement of the back of the building as well as some additional space along the side. The project will work in tandem with city plans for a stairway connecting the newly obtained city parking lot to North Fort Thomas Avenue, a central artery within the Central Business District.
The community theater working with the Cincinnati-based architectural firm Pivot Studio on improvements to the building. The rear portion will be replaced with a slightly larger section that will contain storage, mechanicals, a scene shop and additional backstage space for the company’s needs. At the planning meeting, Fort Thomas General Services Director Kevin Barbian noted the things being added to the new space will not draw additional employees or patrons and so additional parking will not be needed.
The building improvements will include an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramp and new front steps. The HVAC system in the building will also be upgraded as part of the project.
The Village Players have been an active partner in the creation of a Cultural Arts District within the central business area. They have added an art gallery on the first floor and plans are underway for more improvements that will provide space for community art programs and events.
