Clear Lake City Council to consider forgivable loan in support of Lake Theatre renovation

CLEAR LAKE — Clear Lake’s City Council tonight will consider entering into a partnership with the Lake Theatre in a complete renovation of the building.

The Lake Theatre has been an entertainment staple in downtown Clear Lake since it was built in 1892, being operated originally as a opera house until the 1930s when it was converted into a movie theater. In 2016, Aaron and Erin Donaldson purchased the theater with the intent of keeping it a staple within the community for years to come.

They recently created a non-profit to operate the theater so it can continue to remain a community asset for decades even after the Donaldsons are no longer involved. As part of this vision, the Lake Theatre is launching a complete renovation project which will bring a completely refreshed theater while preserving the historical elements of the building. The Donaldsons are asking the city to come alongside the non-profit by providing a forgivable loan in support of the project.

The council meets tonight at 5:30 at City Hall.