CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville’s City Council approved the purchase of the Roxy Regional Theatre by the city for $810,000 at a special session held Thursday evening, Dec. 17.
In this first reading, the Council voted 10 yes’s to 0 no’s on the purchase. Councilmen Jeff Henley and Gary Norris abstained from voting, Norris being a non-voting member of the Roxy Board. Councilman Tim Chandler was absent from the session.
The purchase is part of the city’s plan to convert the Roxy into a new performing arts center, including a full renovation and several new amenities.
“This was the natural next step in our view toward getting a new building on the corner of Franklin and First to give the Roxy a world-class theatre, and also to give the community a world-class event space,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.
New ownership, same Roxy
In the current contract, the City will purchase the building, and the current Roxy Board will continue to operate the facility. In a past interview with Clarksville Now, Pitts likened the agreement to the one the city has with Customs House Museum and Cultural Center.
“I think this is a real step forward for the city of Clarksville, to allow them to lease the theatre and allow them to keep doing what they have been doing,” said Ward 11 Councilman Norris
According to the city, the $810,000 price tag is equal to the Roxy’s current appraisal value, which increased slightly following restoration of the building’s marquee. The purchase of the Roxy Regional Theatre was part of the city’s 2020 budget.
The agreement to purchase the Roxy requires two readings to go into effect, meaning that final approval will lie with the new City Council following their swearing-in in January; however, Mayor Pitts suggested that the current council may attempt another special session in December to close this and other matters.
“It’s one of those classic meetings where this council had some loose ends that they wanted to close the loop on,” said City Spokesman Richard Stevens.