CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The Swift Creek Mill Theatre in Chesterfield County is experiencing flooding officials with the entertainment venue are calling a "devastating blow."
"Unprecedented flooding wreaked havoc at Swift Creek Mill Theatre as a result of yesterday's heavy rains," Swift Creek Mill Theatre Marketing Director Chris Lange said in an email Sunday morning.
Lange said the venue's main dining room has been inundated with more than a foot of water.
"Furnishings, equipment, and artwork are submerged," Lange said. "Two cargo trailers full of scenery floated off their moorings."
Artistic Director Tom Width described the flooding as "the worst I have seen in my 44 years at the Mill."
"It's going be hard, but I think when we're open in 2021, a lot of things will be brand new and shiny," Width said. "Because we will be doing nothing but cleaning from now until then."
Officials said crews were able to cut off power and gas to the main building overnight.
Unprecedented flooding wreaked havoc at Swift Creek Mill Theatre as a result of yesterday's heavy rains. Artistic Director Tom Width calls it "the worst I have seen in my 44 years at the Mill." Over a foot of water has accumulated in the lower level, causing incredible damage. pic.twitter.com/dFkeNR9FyA
— Swift Creek Mill (@SCMTheatre) August 16, 2020
The historic landmark has been closed since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"All of our sources of revenue, apart from donations, have been cut off," Lange said. "Needless to say, this flooding is a devastating blow."
At the beginning of COVID, a "Keep The Lights On, " was created to help the theatre. If you would like to make a donation, click on the link .
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can submit a news tip here.
