Restoring Art and Culture
To Our Hometown
Priest River, Idaho
National Trust for Historic Preservation with
Marcus Anderson Family Foundation
Award Rex Theater $30,000
The Foundation for the Rex Theater is excited to announce that it was awarded two $15,000 grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation with a matching grant from the Marcus Anderson Family Foundation. These two grants will fund the development of a Master Plan for the rehabilitation of the historic theater. The Rehabilitation Master Plan is a two-part process that will culminate in a phased plan for improvements to the Rex Theater. The intent is to create a phased rehabilitation plan that will allow the Foundation to operate the theater between phases and to work toward full rehabilitation over the next 10+ years. The Master Plan process will assist the Rex Board and key stakeholders in defining and documenting a shared vision for rehabilitating and operating the historic theater. Architect Dawn Bushnaq will lead the effort.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a leading funder in the historic preservation movement, awarding more than $13 million to organizations across the country last year. Established in 1969, National Trust Preservation Funds encourage preservation at the local level, supporting nonprofit organizations and public agencies by providing seed money for preservation projects. "Organizations like the Foundation for the Rex Theater help to ensure that communities all across the United States retain their unique sense of place," said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "We are honored to provide a grant to the Foundation of the Rex Theater, which will use the funds to help preserve an important piece of our shared national heritage."
The Marcus Anderson Family Foundation is a self-funded, Idaho based nonprofit with an attention to community involvement and improvement. “The Marcus Anderson Family Foundation is proud to be of continued support for the Rex Theater. We are committed to fostering growth and providing resources where they are needed most,” said Marcus Anderson, President. “Our foundation remains dedicated to making a lasting impact. We are honored to uplift and strengthen the Priest River community, and those we serve.”
In Memoriam
Dan Eskelson
June 8, 1947 - August 4, 2024
Ju
Dan was Vice President and an integral board member since he joined the Board of Directors. Deeply committed to the mission of the Rex, Dan took leadership in developing & maintaining our social media & local marketing of the Rex. He also was known in the Priest River community for his creativity and love of nature. The Rex benefitted greatly from his photography as well as his musicianship when he charmed all at the 2023 Timber Days with the uplifting music from his hammer dulcimer.
All of us at the Rex Board are deeply saddened about Dan’s death. We will miss this thoughtful, generous, and talented colleague; and in the future, we will acknowledge Dan with a commemorative within the walls of Rex. We wish Cindy and the Eskelson family solace in the days and months ahead.
Thank you to all who attended and donated at our annual fundraiser!
We had a successful night of community and revelry. We hope you enjoyed our night on Main Street!
Some highlights:
Films of Priest River's logging industry
Outdoor music featuring two local bands: Conor Yarbrough and Miah Kohal
Wine Tasting & Fundraiser
Timber Days at The Rex Theater
July 26, 2024
Our Story
Priest River musicians Chad Summers, Geoff Rusho, & Gary Stewart organized the Foundation in 2019 and began plans for the restoration of the century old Rex Theater, located in the historic downtown district of Priest River. Through the past 5 years, the Foundation has evolved into an 11 member board with advisors to advise a 5 stage restoration plan, apply for grants, and most recently completed Phase 1 of restoration of the historic Rex Theater.
Our Board
Updates
Our Centennial Celebration was a great success!
The turnout was excellent, the wine flowed freely and everyone had a good time. We are encouraged by the community response and are already planning for future gatherings at the Theater. See our Facebook page for more photos.
Our December Open House was well attended despite the frigid weather.
Interior demolition of wooden structures is complete. See photos here and a short video here.
See our recent Newsletter for more info on the work progress and Board activity.
The Rex Theater in the 1920’s
Learn more about the original Theater on this page.
Please Consider Contributing to the Restoration Project
Questions? - Contact Us
* indicates required field