When I spoke to Georgia Theatre owner Wilmot Greene on Wednesday, he said he had no idea how much it will cost to rebuild, other than it will be “a lot.”

In a fundraising e-mail he sent out today, though, Greene cites the figure of $3 million. That's a lot of 32-ounce Budweisers, even at Theatre prices.

“On June 19, 2009, fire gutted the historic Georgia Theatre. Since then, many of you have been asking how you can help bring the beloved music venue back from a shell of ashes. It’s been amazing to see just how much the Theatre meant to people, and we are grateful for your support.

“Now that the smoke has cleared, we need your help.

“Unfortunately, insurance on the building covered replacement costs — which would mean replacing a building to 1930s code. To rebuild to current building codes will cost much more — about $3 million total.

“Despite the costs, we are working to rebuild the Theatre, because we can’t imagine Athens without it. Anyone who has passed through in the last century — like the more than 10,000 musical acts that have played its stage — has a fond memory of the Georgia Theatre.

“Clean up efforts are underway to remove the debris. Steel support beams are now bracing the exterior walls. Restoration is about to begin.

“To raise the money we need to keep going, we have partnered with The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, a not-for-profit whose mission is to restore buildings of historic and cultural importance. The Georgia Trust has established a fund to accept tax-deductible donations toward rebuilding the Georgia Theatre. You can click here to donate.

“Please help spread the word by sharing this e-mail with friends. Every donation — big and small — will make a difference. Hopefully, with your help, we can open the Theatre’s doors again by New Year’s Eve of 2011.

“Thanks for your continued support.”

To clarify, Greene really means New Year’s Eve of 2010 (next year), not 2011.

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