‘Just a flesh wound.’ Fremont Theater is back open after storm damaged sign
The Fremont Theater in downtown San Luis Obispo is officially back up and running after a storm damaged the iconic building last week — and they found a creative way to do it.
On Tuesday, the city reopened the sidewalk after shipping containers were installed along the stretch in front of the theater, providing a protected, lighted walkway for pedestrians.
Then, on Wednesday, workers set up scaffolding around all sides of the theater’s iconic vertical marquee, which was damaged when a chunk fell off during a Feb. 17 storm.
Meanwhile, a cheeky message was added to the marquee: “It’s just a flesh wound.”
For nearly a week since the storm, the city kept the sidewalk and road immediately in front of the business blocked off to protect passersby in case more pieces of the sign were to fall off. City officials warned the marquee was at risk of further failure “due to cracking, corrosion and rain saturation.”
According to an Instagram post by the city, lighting and security cameras were also installed as safety precautions.
“A portion of Monterey Street in front of the theater remains temporarily closed until the theater’s exterior tower blade sign is stabilized,” the city said.
The reopening of the sidewalk also meant the theater could resume its operations as usual.
In an Instagram post Wednesday, the theater announced the previously scheduled concert for Thee Sinseers and The Altons would be able to take place that night.
“As a courtesy update, please pardon our dust,” the theater wrote. “The building is currently under construction, so we recommend allowing a little extra time for arrival and entry to ensure a smooth experience getting inside. We appreciate your patience and can’t wait to see you on the dance floor tonight.”
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