KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — A theatre in Kannapolis is aiming to stay true to its name with major upgrades set to enhance the iconic structure. Gem Theatre has been a part of the city since 1936 and the renovations are set to cost $1.2 million.
Community members can help by sponsoring the theatre. The seats, projector, screen, and curtains are all a part of the upgrades.
Mike Legg, Kannapolis city manager, says city leaders are hopeful that the renovations will bring in large crowds.
"There's obviously a business sense we want to have more people downtown and this is one way to do it. This has always been an economic engine for our downtown," Legg said. "But we hope it'll be more so we hope that will be people that have never stepped foot in the theater that start to come here.”
The next phase in upgrades is set to cost approximately $1.2 million. Before they get underway the city is offering up pieces of the iconic structure for the community.
People can buy one of the vintage seats or purchase a marquee brick from just out front of the theatre.
"It's an opportunity for the community to get engaged in it. And to be a part of it. This is the community's asset now, and it always has been really been it really is now, and this is their opportunity to get engaged in it,” Legg said.
Sponsoring a new seat is $275 and sponsoring a brick is $125. Purchasing a pair of the current vintage seats in the theatre is $100. You can also sponsor all three items for $500. Corporate sponsorship packages of $500-$10,000 are also available.
“I'm glad they kept these buildings alive. And especially with the theater like that, and still showing movies and stuff and the prices are fairly reasonable and fairly cheap," Stephens said. "You can't beat that you just don't see it anymore. That's a big part of this whole area in this community.
The renovations are scheduled to start in January. The hope is for them to be completed within four months. During that time the Gem Theatre will be closed until the upgrades are completed.
For more information and to participate in the fundraising campaign visit: www.kannapolisnc.gov/thegemtheatre.