Mollohan said that the funding will be used to continue renovation of the Opera House’s façade and put the first floor retail space into service. “Ten years ago we were in danger of losing this historic structure forever. When David Downs and Alpine Heritage Preservation first approached me about rescuing this property, I immediately saw how a restored Cottrill’s could provide an anchor for the growing tourism business in Thomas.”

Downs is President of Alpine Heritage Preservation, Inc., the non-profit corporation that owns the building and intends to return it to its prominent role in the cultural and economic life of Thomas. “Cottrill’s Opera House holds tremendous potential both to draw tourist traffic to the area and also to increase cultural and recreational opportunities for local residents,” Downs said. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Mollohan’s support over the years.”

Mollohan has secured more than $1.2 million in federal funds over the last ten years for the project. “Under the leadership of Alpine Heritage Preservation and with the help of local volunteers, we were able to stabilize the property and keep it from deteriorating,” Mollohan said. “This year’s funding enables us to take that next step of putting part of the building back into service.”

Cottrill’s Opera House was built in 1902 and served as a community and cultural center in Thomas for decades before falling into disrepair. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Mollohan, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, placed the grant in the annual funding bill for the National Park Service.

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