A long-awaited project to repair the roof on one of Brookhaven’smore historic downtown structures is slated to begin later thismonth.

Sha Walker, vice president of the Brookhaven Little Theatre,said a $79,500 contract was awarded last week to Rowell Roofing,Inc., of Columbia, to construct a new roof on The Haven.

The roof covering the theater now is about 30 years old anddefinitely shows its age, Walker said. Its poor appearance,however, is minor compared to the damage being caused inside thestructure by its many leaks.

The historic theater operated as early as 1939, Walker said, andwas built to its present specifications in 1950. However, it closedin 1977 and lay dormant until purchased by BLT in 1983.

It has since become the home of the thespian organization. Thetheater hosts at least three live performances each year, as wellas providing a venue for many other community events.

The Haven was designated as a Mississippi landmark on Sept. 14,2006, by the Department of Archives and History.

The little theater group will fund approximately $18,500 inmatching monies for the project. Much of the cost of the new roofwill be offset by a $73,896 Mississippi Landmark Grant administeredby the state’s Department of Archives and History. BLT willinitially pay for the construction and then be reimbursed by thestate department.

“The remainder of the grant award is to cover other costs,including architectural fees,” Walker said.

He said the support of the community has made the new roofpossible and he hopes for continued support as BLT prepares tobegin other renovation projects.

“The BLT portion of the funding for this project has comethrough general operations, such as performances, as well as thegenerous contributions from businesses and patrons interested inthe preservation of the rich cultural arts in Lincoln County,”Walker said.

Unfortunately, he said, it is unlikely BLT will be able topursue other renovation projects through the Mississippi Landmarksprogram.

“The grant is specifically designed to help prevent the furtherdeterioration of Mississippi landmarks,” Walker said. “It can’t befor interior improvements or the redesign of the exterior. It canonly go for the roof because it will prevent furtherdeterioration.”

Project leaders will hold a preconstruction meeting at The HavenWednesday morning to discuss the process.

“The contractor has indicated that he expects construction tobegin the week of Sept. 17 and last for two to three weeks,” Walkersaid.

The construction is not expected to have an impact on BLT’s 40thanniversary membership drive in the building Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.,however.

“During the membership drive, we’ll discuss future plans,including the marquee and front facade,” Walker said. “This is anexciting first step, and it’s been a long time coming. Once it’scomplete, it will allow us to shift our focus to other neededrepairs.”

Organization leaders intend to undertake major renovationprojects in several stages as they continue to restore the historicbuilding to its former glory.