Grant Will Help Illuminate Hollywood Sign

Tom Giffey |

Image: Valleybrook Church
Image: Valleybrook Church

Valleybrook Church wants to bring a bit of old-fashioned Hollywood razzle-dazzle to downtown Eau Claire with an energy-efficient upgrade it its historic sign and marquee, an effort that will be aided by a $2,000 grant from Downtown Eau Claire Inc. The church – located in the former Hollywood Theatre, 412 S. Barstow St., which was built in 1947 – won a Downtown Enhancement Grant from DECI. The church is hoping to raise a total of $7,000 for the effort, which will involve replacing the bulbs in the building’s “Hollywood” sign and marquee with LEDs, upgrading electrical equipment, and putting the lights on a timer so they can automatically shine each night. “This exciting project will re-light a part of our historic downtown and is a natural fit with the recent lighting of the Phoenix Park and other bridges,” said Ray French, business assistance specialist for the city. The church is also seeking donations online with a Go Fund Me campaign (gofundme.com/hollywood-lights). The DECI grant is supported by a donation from Cynthia Wing-Reed of B~Framed Galleries. Applications for the next grant cycle will be available in September and will be due at the end of November. Contact downtown@eauclairewi.gov to learn more.