The Historic Star Theatre
Benefits
Renovating the StarAfter opening as a theatre in 1947, the Star was in operation until about 1960 -- since then, the building has served as apartments, a laundry mat, a second-hand furniture store, and most recently as an antiques store. Tom and Carol Beasley purchased the building in January 2004, and began the arduous task of renovating the theatre to its original art deco style in May 2004.
Everything inside the building had to be demolished, including the roof. The building had leaked for about 30 years and was in such bad shape that everything but the walls had to be rebuilt. Once finished, the theatre will be decorated in black and red with gold trim, and will have a hardwood floor and tin ceilings. The theatre will seat approximately 200 people.
Below are some pictures documenting the restoration process.
The marqee was installed in May 2005:
Since a photo of the original Star Theatre marqee could not be located, the marquee was instead inspired by a picture of the Glen Theatre in Christiansburg, VA. The Glen Theatre was modeled after the Star Theatre, as both were owned by Richard Beasley in the late 1940s.
The stage, early August 2005:
A view of the balcony, walls primed for painting, early August 2005:
The lobby, early August 2005:
The lobby, late August 2005:
The stage, late August 2005:
Outside woodwork, late August 2005:
The lobby, October 8, 2005 -- the day before the grand opening:
GRAND OPENING! October 9, 2005!
The Tannahill Weavers
