CALHOUN, Ga. — When Ted King first stepped into the closed historic Gem Theatre in 1995, seeing its tattered curtains, water damage and collapsed stage was “like walking into a tomb.”
Most of the building had been untouched since the last movie played in 1976, but Mr. King’s visit was the first day of the theater’s new life.
His father, Raymond, purchased the dilapidated theater in 2001 and formed Friends of the Gem Theatre. The group has raised about $850,000 and completed exterior renovations to the building, including a new roof, marquee and signs, but it still needs about $1.4 million to renovate the interior, he said.
The group just received a $14,985 grant through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said Sarah Husser, director of fundraising and marketing for the theater. The grant will be used to restore ceilings in the lobby and concessions area, she said.
“When it’s restored, it’s going to be like it was,” said Mr. King.
Haley Stephens, co-chairman of the Friends group, said the completed theater will showcase a variety of live performances and movies and should help improve Calhoun’s nightlife.
Suzanne Roland, executive director for the Calhoun Downtown Development Authority, said she’s working to see the Gem Theatre and other historic buildings included on the National Register of Historic Places.
The theater will be great for the local economy because “restaurants will be open (later) and some of the retail will stay open.”
Mr. King said his father, who died more than a year ago, took a special interest in preserving Calhoun’s downtown.
Calhoun Chamber of Commerce Director Jimmy Phillips said a completed theater will “bring more activity and energy to downtown.”
Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre, which opened in 1921, was renovated in the 1980s, helping to shape the city’s renaissance, said Donna Landry, marketing coordinator for the city-owned Tivoli.
“I think it (renovation of the Tivoli) got people thinking about downtown and what it could be,” said Ms. Landry. “This was kind of the first thing that happened.”
Terri Cox, programs coordinator for the Grande Theatre in Cartersville, Ga., said that theater was renovated in 1989 and has featured live performances since.
“Our whole downtown has really developed during those years,” said Ms. Cox. “People come for a show and they’ll want to get together before or after the show. I really believe it helps create a sense of community.”
Fran Holden, executive director with the Baltimore-based League of Historic American Theatres, said there’s a definite link between downtown success and these cultural venues.
The group, which has more than 270 member organizations throughout the United States and Canada, knows of 60 historic theaters in Georgia and Tennessee alone, she said.
“Almost all of our members will have a wonderful story to tell about how (theaters) have been a catalyst for community revitalization,” she said.
Theater timeline
* 1927: The Gem Theatre was established at 114 N. Wall St. in the south half of what was originally a hardware and furniture store.
* 1939: Theater expanded into the north half of the building.
* Early 1940s: Theater flourished as a movie theater and stage venue. It was also used for residents to receive news updates during World War II.
* 1943: The Martin Theatre chain purchased the theater.
* 1948: The name changed to Martin Theatre.
* 1969: The theater completely renovated.
* 1976: The theater closed and has been vacant most of the past 33 years. The front of the building served as a men’s clothing store for a short period.
Source: Sarah Husser
On the Web
www.calhoungem.org
IF YOU GO
* What: Black Tie to Blue Jeans Benefit
* When: 6 p.m. Nov. 7
* Tickets: $50
* Information: 706-296-7103
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