“When?”

That’s the question lots of area residents are asking about Clark Theatre in downtown Andalusia. “When?” will the renovation be completed and the theater reopened.

Lucas Lumpkin, who is managing the project locally for Wyatt Sasser Construction, said he expects the work to take until late February.

The once three-story building will now have two levels, with two theaters downstairs and one upstairs. On Wednesday, workers were painting the exterior, and indoors, sheetrock work was under way in the lobby.

Almost a year ago, Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson announced that the O’Neal family, who had owned the theater building on the square for decades, had donated the building to the city. In turn, the city negotiated a long-term lease with Clarke Theatres in which the city agreed to completely remodel the facility.

The timing of the renovations was coordinated with Mack Clarke, owner of Clarke Theatres, and in consideration of requests by movie distribution companies, Johnson said.

Friday, the mayor said it will likely be some time in March before the theater reopens.

The renovation includes adding new restrooms and moving the snack bar facility in the lobby, as well as the changes to the theaters.