DeWitt Community Complex reveals theater's new look, requests commitment from Placer County

The DeWitt Community Complex debuted the new look for the anticipated renovations of the DeWitt Theater. During the public comment period of the Jan. 12 meeting, DCC Treasurer David Allen provided the board with an update of the organization's progress, inclusive of architectural concept drawings produced by Piches Architecture and Hillside Architecture, project endorsements and supportive written statements. Allen said although DCC has made significant financial progress toward the goal of repurposing the theater, the organization has received grant rejections due to the county's position on the project being unclear. As a result, Allen requested the county provide parameters that need to be met to continue with the renovation. "We're chasing an unknown target," Allen said. "Therefore, we are requesting official support and identification of these guidelines to assist in the project. "The opportunity of merging history, art and community is not one that comes along frequently, and the DeWitt Community Complex and people of North Auburn would appreciate your support and guidance." As the update was provided during public comment, the board provided no feedback during the meeting. The request comes after the board's Dec. 15 decision approving plans for a demolition project at the Placer County Government Center, which includes buildings at the DeWitt Center. The demolition plan did not include the DeWitt Theater, as the board approved a provision in April 2019 allowing the community two years to organize funding to rehabilitate the building before a decision is made about its future. According to a DCC news release, the organization was formed in 2019 and has since raised awareness, garnered grants, fundraised and partnered with the Historic Preservation Foundation of the Native Sons of the Golden West to meet its goal to renovate the theater, auditorium and senior center buildings for community use. "Having a community focus up there again is definitely what people are interested in," DCC President Ramona Brockman said in an interview with the Auburn Journal on Monday morning, noting the space would be an arts center and a venue which could be rented for various events, including performances, town halls and rehearsals. According to Brockman, the goal of DCC's request is to get a "more firm commitment out of the county." "We've come a long way. We proved that we could accomplish this. … Now we just need a more firm commitment from the county to be able to apply for grants, as well as probably ask for a little more time," she said, noting, "COVID put the brakes on a lot of things" for the organization. Brockman said the cost for renovations is estimated between $600,000 and $750,000 and would include adding ADA bathrooms and updating the electrical, which was previously updated in 2009. To date, the organization has raised roughly $30,000. Individuals interested in donating to support the renovation project can visit the DCC website at dccnorthauburn.org. DCC is holding a fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 23, in partnership with Papa Murphy's at 2566 Grass Valley Highway. Between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., individuals who mention the DCC fundraiser will have 30 percent of their bill donated to the DeWitt Theater restoration project.