OBERLIN — More renovations are likely coming to the 96-year-old Apollo Theatre thanks to an award to a subsidiary of Oberlin College of $2 million in state historic preservation tax credits.

The college hopes to use the award, announced Thursday, for the second phase of theater renovations, which will include renovating the stage for live performances and adding a screening room and an educational media center on the second floor, according to Sandra Hodge, the college’s special assistant for community and government relations.

“I’d love to take the theater back to an earlier time,” said Hodge, who is helping to oversee the project.

Phase II is expected to cost about $6 million and altogether the college hopes to gain $3 million in tax credits, which would be sold to investors to help pay for the project, Hodge said.

The remainder would likely be sought from donors, she said.

In October, stars including Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman and 1962 Oberlin College graduate Jim Burrows, co-creator of “Cheers,” helped unveil $1.2 million of renovations including an HD projector, new sound system, expanded concession stand and removal of some 300 seats from the 800-seat theater.

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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