The Roanoke Rapids Theatre will become Weldon Mills Theatre after today’s closing on the venue between the attorneys representing the distillery and the city of Roanoke Rapids.

“Weldon Mills Distillery is excited to expand our brand with the Weldon Mills Theatre,” said Bruce Tyler, owner of the distillery which overlooks the Roanoke River. “Bourbon and music go hand in hand and we are eager to upfit the building and get started.”

Said Tyler, who confirmed the closing this afternoon: “We want to thank the community for your continued support and look forward to bringing you great spirits and entertainment.”

The city was expected to release a statement on the closing, both City Manager Kelly Traynham and City Attorney Geoffrey Davis confirmed. As of this report the city’s statement had not been immediately released.

Last week the city council on a 3-2 vote, which required Mayor Emery Doughtie to cast the tie-breaker in the absence of one council member, approved a resolution which accepted the final high bid from the Roanoke Rapids law firm of Wellman & White, which was acting on behalf of its clients including Weldon Mills.

The law firm submitted a $2 million bid on the theater on behalf of its clients.

The resolution said the closing would occur within 30 days following the adoption of the document and the completion of a title examination that confirms the title is satisfactory to the buyer.

The resolution also requires that proof of funds be delivered to the city within five days of the request for proof of funds and the balance of the funds must be paid with cash at the time of closing.