Project planned for Lyceum tiles

Staff Writer

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While the decorative tiles that graced the entryway to the Lyceum Theatre have now made way for a sidewalk and pedestrian improvement project, officials said there’s a potential second act in store for the creative offerings.

“Although this (sidewalk project) is a fantastic long-term improvement for our downtown area, it did require the removal of the tiles — many of which hold special memories for many of our citizens,” said Clovis MainStreet Executive Director Lisa Pellegrino-Spear. “Because there are many emotional ties to these tiles and our community, we wanted to do everything to preserve them in any way possible.

“We would estimate that approximately one-third of the tiles were saved in whole or near whole condition. We are excited to announce that the tiles will once again adorn the Lyceum building in a new way with the help of Clovis’ newest generation.”

Officials said the tiles were placed in the 1980s at a cost of $5 to $8 each.

Pellegrino-Spear said a youth-driven art project would give many of the broken tile pieces a second shelf life.

“Because many of the tiles were already cracking, lifting and even some missing from years of wear, we knew not all of them would be saved,” she said. “With the partnership of one of our local art directors we are excited to have her and her students make their contribution to the theater through an art mosaic with the remaining pieces of the broken tiles. For some time now we have been in conversation about the next step for the tiles, as we did not want their community impact to be lost.”

Pellegrino-Spear extended kudos to High Plains Builder contractor Darren Hyder and staff for volunteering time to remove the tiles with an eye toward preserving as many as possible.

Officials said all preserved tiles would be made available for the original owners to have as a keepsake, with the tile auditing process expected to occur throughout the remainder of this month.

“It is a part of our mission to capture and retain as much historic value as possible to our downtown,” Pellegrino-Spear said. “And we hope that all of our efforts to keep the tiles with the theater will continue to be a value to our community and our history.”

Clovis resident Gregory Smith said he applauds Clovis MainStreet's preservation effort.

“I spent some time watching some of the workers lift portions of the tiles and noticed the careful manner in which they did so,” he said. “You could really get a feel for the pride they had in doing the work. And that’s really great, because the tiles have great historic and sentimental value.”

Clovis MainStreet officials said anyone interested in locating their family or business tiles should forward an email to [email protected], with the name on the tiles, any descriptive details of the design, as well as contact information.