Even with the MACC’s primary fundraising source unknown at this point, one thing is certain: the nearly century-old building’s sprinkler system needs to be replaced. That project alone is expected to cost around $100,000.
The town has approximately $30,000 in the bank earmarked for that purpose.
“Do I believe the town will make the funds available to make the MACC a safe and secure building? I believe it will,” said Councilman Dick Gee, the Town Council’s liaison for the Mountain Arts Community Center.
“It goes back to the perception of the town whether the MACC is a vital part of town. I’m telling you, the awareness of MACC and its contributions to the quality of life on Signal Mountain are significantly different today than it was two years ago. It’s proving its worth. There’s always people there; there’s something going on all the time.”
With the recent purchase of new seats for the auditorium, Gee said he hopes the venue can become more of an income generator. Ideas are being considered that would make the MACC more of an entertainment destination, he said, using Barking Legs as an example.