Photo (left to right): MainStreet Representative, Lucy Whitmarsh; New Mexico Economic Development Secretary, Jon Barela; and PNM President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn.

On December 3, PNM announced the 2014 PNM Grants for MainStreet in a ceremony at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Silver City MainStreet was awarded $15,000 to be used for Silco Theater Renovation Project. The Silco Theater, at 311 North Bullard Street in Silver City has been closed for renovations since January. The removal of all interior non-contributing modifications have been completed. The front façade has been restored to replicate a renovation that was completed in 1940. An emergency exit door in the rear of the auditorium has been installed. Construction work that remains to be completed is the entry wall and ticket booth and finish out of the building interior. To complete construction, an additional $100,000 is needed. You can help by sending your tax deductible donation to: Silco Theater Renovation Project, PO Box 4068, Silver City, New Mexico 88062. For additional information, contact the Silver City MainStreet Office at 575-534-1700.

This is the second year that PNM has partnered with New Mexico MainStreet to provide funding for worthwhile projects in New Mexico MainStreet communities that are serviced by PNM. PNM recognizes the importance of MainStreet programs and supports the economic initiatives facilitated by MainStreet Projects. The grant program also is supported by the New Mexico Economic Development Department. One of the initiatives in the Economic Development Department is the historic downtown theater revitalization effort. The Economic Development Department recognizes the importance of downtown theaters to local economies. In Silver City there are three downtown theaters, the Silco, El Sol and Gila theaters, none of which are currently open. If all three theaters were operational, the already budding entertainment scene in downtown Silver City would be greatly enhanced.