GIRARD, Ohio - Several store fronts sit empty on West Liberty Street in downtown Girard, but council members are hoping to give people a reason to come back to the area by restoring the old Wellman Theater. 

“There's not a more iconic building in this city than the Wellman Theater,” Mayor Jim Melfi said. “Anyone over the age of 60 remembers that theater in use. It brings back a much simpler time.”

Many years ago the Wellman family owned several businesses in the city along with the theater. For the past 20 years, the theater has been occupied by a private owner. Now, the city wants to buy the 500 seat space to host all types of events for all ages. 

“The possibilities are endless,” Mayor Melfi said. 

The renovation will not only bring back a piece of history but start to breathe life back into a quiet downtown area. 

“This is our chance to show the downtown business people that we’re all in with them,” Mayor Melfi said. “We need some improvements, we need some business to occupy some space. We have some great businessmen downtown, people who care, people who invest. We just need to give them some help.” 

The building has been inspected and Melfi said the reports show it is structurally sound. The Mayor also said they plan to restore the exterior of the building first to create excitement. 

Council will vote on whether to purchase the $72,900 theater at its meeting Monday night. 

If approved they will start the plans for the building and then apply for grants to fund the renovations.