New video promotes preservation of Bent’s Opera House in Medina

MEDINA – A new video about the preservation efforts at Bent’s Opera House is aimed to create enthusiasm for the project.

The Orleans Renaissance Group, owners of the site, worked with Michael Gaughn and Brianna Byrne to produce the new video.

Bent’s was built during the Civil War. The building is made of local Medina sandstone. It is currently mostly vacant. The ORG wants to restore the upper performance hall, and also attract business tenants for the first floor and a restaurant for the second floor.

The organization is currently doing an emergency repair to rotted structural support beams on the building. It is seeking a $500,000 state grant to replace the roof and help with other upgrades. The state is expected to announce this month whether or not that funding will be awarded.

“As most of you know, some structural work/repair/restoration has already begun,” ORG Vice Chairman Chris Busch said in an email to ORG supporters. “The wheels are in motion.The vision continues to takes shape.”

Other videos are planned to help promote the restoration project and the Medina community.

“It is our hope that this short piece will be one of many that will soon follow, telling the story in the stone – of Bent’s history, its people, its community, and its rebirth,” Busch said.