Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says negotiations are underway with one of the low bidders for the Tooga Theatre renovation project as he works to reduce construction costs before awarding a contract.

Allen told WZQZ News over the weekend that he is negotiating with one of the contractors who submitted a low bid for the project, hoping to bring the cost down further before making a final decision.

The latest development follows the opening of four bids for the theatre’s interior renovation project. The county initially sought bids from local contractors but received no responses. The project was then advertised statewide, with additional time provided for contractors to submit proposals.

The Appalachian Regional Commission has committed $1 million toward the theatre’s interior renovation, with Chattooga County required to provide a matching contribution of at least $200,000.

The county has owned the historic theatre on Commerce Street in downtown Summerville since 2015. The first phase of restoration, which included exterior improvements, was completed during the administration of former Commissioner Blake Elsberry.

The current phase will focus on renovating the building’s interior, an important step toward eventually reopening the historic downtown landmark for public use.

Allen has not yet announced which contractor will receive the project. His latest comments indicate that he is continuing to work toward securing the most favorable construction cost before awarding the bid.