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The group working to restore the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs has raised another $500,000, leaving it halfway to matching a $1 million donation made to that project earlier this year by a local philanthropist.
In February, Brad Prescott gave $1 million to the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, according to a statement on the Palm Springs website.
At the same time, Prescott challenged the foundation to raise $1 million, and said he would match that effort with another $1 million contribution if it succeeded.
If that happens, the effort to restore the historic theatre at 128 S. Palm Canyon drive will be that much closer to raising the remaining $6 million it needs to complete the restoration.
“We are pleased that the community has participated in helping the foundation take advantage of the tremendous opportunity that Brad Prescott has provided,” said J.R. Roberts, foundation president, in the statement. “Brad’s donation has inspired many others in the community to help the foundation raise the funds we need to help restore our iconic theatre.”
Opened in 1936, the downtown theatre hosted movie premieres, live performances and national radio broadcasts during its prime years. It was also home of “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies,” a long-running show, but closed in 2014 after falling into disrepair.
The theater is expected to reopen in December, according to the statement.
