Discovery Playhouse launches campaign to pay off mortgage

Discovery Playhouse in downtown Cape Girardeau has embarked on an ambitious capital campaign designed to pay off the not-for-profit organization's mortgage, executive director Pansy Glenn said.

Discovery Playhouse donor Jim Maurer chats with executive director Pansy Glenn about a new campaign designed to raise enough money to pay off the facility's mortgage. Maurer is one of the "Monthly Champion" donors and is a longtime supporter of the playhouse. (LINDSAY JONES)

Glenn and her staff recently began seeking 40 donors in what is being dubbed the venue's Monthly Champions program. People who commit to it are asked to pay $2,500 a year -- or the equivalent of one month's mortgage payment -- for three years.

Jim Maurer is among a handful of donors who have committed pledges so far. He will be the honored Champion in October.

"I think it's a great deal," he said, especially as someone who has been involved with the organization since its inception.

Because the mortgage payments for the building at 502 Broadway are so high, Discovery Playhouse sometimes has to borrow against its credit line to maintain operations, Glenn said.

Patrons are charged only $5 for admission, and regardless of whether anyone visits in a given day, all 7,500 square feet of space on the first floor have to be heated or cooled, depending on the season, and well lit. That can add up quickly, and revenue from annual memberships and group visits sometimes can't keep things in the black.

"If we can get our mortgage paid off, then we will shine," Glenn said.

Although the second floor had a new heating and air conditioning system installed in August 2014, it isn't ready for exhibits just yet.

Pansy Glenn, executive director of Discovery Playhouse in downtown Cape Girardeau, talks about a new capital campaign that's designed to pay off the facility's mortgage. (LINDSAY JONES)

About 65 volunteers are interested in helping build exhibits upstairs, which also is 7,500 square feet. But that can't begin until partial walls are constructed in the two large rooms that comprise the space. A third, smaller room is being built for birthday parties and other special occasions.

Discovery staff have been selling Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to help fund improvements upstairs. Businesses invest in the credits and are reimbursed by about half by the state and also can qualify for a federal tax benefit, Glenn said.

Potential new exhibits include a Cessna airplane, a theater area, a mini-basketball court, a duck-hunting blind and more.

"I really hope and pray it's together by the time school gets out next year," Glenn said.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652

Pertinent address:

502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.