The City of Monroe’s Center Theatre is a diamond in the rough. Designed in the late 1930’s by renowned Hendersonville, NC architect, Earle G. Stillwell, the theatre is now primed to be what it once was —a vibrant hub for the city and surrounding areas —thanks to the combined efforts of community leaders, volunteers and the Center Development Group.J.M. Cope is thrilled to be part of the team helping this gem shine once again.
After decades of continuous use as a movie house, the theatre closed its doors in 1991, remaining vacant since that time. The City purchased the building in 2013 for $225K, and only recently awarded the Center Theatre Development a 10-year renewable lease for the property.
The theatre contains features characteristic of the Art Moderne style —a streamlined design aesthetic reminiscent of Art Deco, but dominated by simple, clean lines. Through grants and non-public funding, the Center Theatre Development group aims to raise between $5-11M to restore much of this original character while simultaneously transforming the 650-seat facility into a modern, multi-use performing arts center designed to galvanize growth in the city’s historic downtown area.
Once open, this historic treasure will host a number of performances, including concerts, musicals, ballets and movies. Residents and local business owners all eagerly await the re-opening, scheduled for Fall 2019. We do as well!
