CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Historic Varsity Theater on Franklin Street, a Chapel Hill landmark may soon close, and a task force recently submitted a report that looked into the matter.

  • Although not for sale, town leaders want The Varsity Theater to become a community arts center.
  • Findings reveal the building requires too many costly updates to be turned into a performing arts center.
  • According to the report, the town council should look for other places to establish a performing arts center.

The Varsity Theater isn't for sale, however, town leaders wanted to see if this could become a community performing arts center once it is.

In October the town put together a task force to explore the option. Wednesday, the group submitted its final report to the town council.

The report outlined the building wouldn't be appropriate to turn into a performing arts center. They say the upgrades and renovations would cost the town too much.

There's also the issue of parking, safety, and the amount of panhandlers in the area.

The report states the town council should look for other places to establish a performing arts center.

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