A memorandum of understanding (MOU) adopted by the Town Council on Monday evening marks a clear step towards renovating the historic 1937 State Theater building. The agreement clarifies how the town and the Hertford State Theater Foundation will split roles as the project moves from planning to delivery.
Who will do what
Under the terms of the MOU, the town retains ownership of the theatre and will take responsibility for all construction-related activity connected with the planned renovation. The newly formed nonprofit foundation will act as the project's principal fundraiser and lead marketer, responsible for raising revenue and promoting the venue once work is complete. The foundation must also keep independent financial records and provide periodic reports to the town.
- Town responsibility: owner and lead on construction-related activity.
- Foundation responsibility: primary fundraiser, marketer and financial reporter.
- Historic context: building dates from 1937 and suffered many years of disrepair.
Funding and prior steps
The town purchased the theatre in 2024 for $125,000 with an expressed intention to convert it into an event venue. It has since sought external funding to meet renovation costs. A grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce totalling $850,000 will be used to help meet those costs. Earlier in the year councillors authorised a payment of $28,500 to an external firm to assess the building's capacity to host events, after concerns about long-term disrepair prompted a cautious approach.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price (2024) | $125,000 |
| State grant (N.C. Dept. of Commerce) | $850,000 |
| Assessment fee paid earlier | $28,500 |
Local reaction and next steps
At the council meeting councillors and residents reflected on the theatre's past and on aspirations for its future use. Councilor and Mayor pro tem Connie Brothers said it was "wonderful" that Hertford would again have its own event venue and recalled comments from a June public meeting.
"It’s good to hear from residents who knew what the theater used to be," she said. "People are excited. The majority of ideas that were discussed were alike."
Councilman Evan Copeland also highlighted the positive tenor of public feedback, saying most attendees shared a similar vision and that there was "a lot of energy in the room." The council previously selected Archsmith Studio, a firm that specialises in repurposing older buildings, to prepare renovation plans.
Because the theatre has suffered from decades of neglect — councillors note disrepair over the past 60 years — the council delayed committing to full funding until an independent assessment determined whether the building could safely host events. With the MOU in place, the partnership structure is now clear: the town will oversee construction while the foundation seeks the additional private and grant funding needed to deliver the project.
Practical details and a timetable for work were not set out in the MOU adopted on Monday; residents seeking more information are likely to watch for further council reports and foundation fundraising announcements in the weeks ahead.
