Chattooga County Commissioner is putting out bids for a firm to come up with a “master plan” for renovation of the Tooga Theater in downtown Summerville.

The theater was purchased from the Chattooga County Shrine Club by former Chattooga County Commissioner Jason Winters.  The county has made some progress in renovations on the outside of the building, including a new marquee sign, but the inside of the building needs a lot of work to make it usable.

Shortly after taking office, current County Commissioner Blake Elsberry told WZQZ News, “I believe at around $500,000-$700,000 the building could be made usable again….complete renovation, taking into account unseen problems that may arise as tend to do with older building renovations, complete renovation would be around $1 million – plus.”  The commissioner says that once the building is complete, management of the Tooga Theater will be a “joint venture between the County and the (Chattooga County) Chamber.”

Last week, the commissioner advertised for proposals from qualified firms to come up with a master plan for the building’s renovations.  The firm should have “a strong record in successfully assisting local governments with preparing plans for historic structures and experience in working on Federally assisted projects”.