Now that the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation owns the Columbia Theatre, foundation officers have to decide how to renovate the building.

Tony Butala, founder of The Lettermen and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, was in Sharon Monday and Tuesday to meet with Bob Crosby, president and chief executive officer of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation. Both Butala and Crosby said they are planning to study the theater and determine what renovation options are best.

Preparations are under way for the September induction ceremony at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Crosby said. The Lettermen perform a concert tonight at Packard Music Hall in Warren to raise money for the Columbia.

Though work on the theater cannot begin immediately, Crosby said there is a "sense of urgency" to get the project under way and not let it become a "long-term project."

Crosby said meeting building code standards is the first priority, especially since standards have changed since the theater was last in operation over two decades ago. Cosmetic renovations can come later, he said.

Butala said he wants enough work done on the building to begin holding concerts inside, even if the walls are plain plaster and there is temporary seating.

"I know it can be done," Butala said. As he walked around the theater -- now filled with scaffolding and construction debris -- Butala recalled how the theater once looked with its plush red seats, majestic chandelier and dome ceiling decorated with gold leaf.

The theater was damaged after a January 1981 fire ravaged the entrance of the building. Butala bought the theater at auction in 1984 and since that time volunteers have worked to restore the building.

Butala, a Sharon native, said the theater holds many special memories for him, and he wants to see it restored so new memories can be created for other people.

"We want to bring this back to the grandeur it was originally planned for," Butala said.

Crosby said restoring the theater will be a benefit, not only for the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation, but for the city.

Butala said he's convinced many acts will want to play the theater. He said some big name acts may even use the theater to give special rehearsal performances as they work out new routines.

Board members of Columbia Theater Inc. decided in May to sell the theater. Butala made an offer to assume debt on the theater of up to $10,000.

The board rejected that offer but on June 7 agreed to sell the theater to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation for $10,000. The Vocal Hall accepted the offer, and Crosby said the foundation now has the keys and the deed to the building.

For more information about The Lettermen concert or the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, go to www.vghf.com

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharon-herald.com