A Downtown Sioux Falls gem is starting to sparkle again.
After months of work, the State Theatre is one step closer to opening its doors again.
Most of the work is complete in the lobby and next work will commence in the main auditorium.
So far the State Theatre Company has raised 1.5 million dollars, but they still have a good 900,000 left to go toward their goal of 2.4 million dollars and now they're asking for your help to reach that goal.
Work on the State Theatre is humming along. You can see it in the nearly complete lobby. Stacy Newcomb-Weiland is the State Theatre Company Board President. She says the campaign has been, "very successful, we're just thrilled, couldn't be happier with the progress this year."
Stacy announced the fundraising campaign among area businesses exceeded it's goal. She says now the campaign will focus on donations from individuals and families. It's a cause those involved say you should consider. Stacy says, "it's strengthening our entire community."
Betty Ordal works for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. She says, "our downtown is thriving and it's wonderful and this [the State Theatre] will really enhance it."
Betty has been instrumental in the State Theatre project thus far. She says when the theatre is open again it will bring more visitors downtown. She says, "I came here when I was in high school, so it's just nostalgic and it's fun."
Betty says she can remember the first movie she saw at the State Theatre. It was North to Alaska in 1960 and she says once films are shown on that screen again, nostalgic memories like that will also help bring people in. She says, "build it and they'll come. I think it's gonna be very exciting."
It's also exciting to watch the renovation process. Stacy says work will continue on the main auditorium next. She says the details theatre-wide will stay true to the original 1920's style, adding to the nostalgic feeling. Stacy says, "we're just letting the original décor take hold. it was beautiful when it was built and it will be fabulous when it's finished."
If you'd like to donate or volunteer with the State Theatre Company, click on this link: http://www.siouxfallsstatetheatre.org/.
Stacy says they are expecting to have movies up and running in the State within a year to a year and a half.
When the theater re-opens they will have all kinds of movies, blockbusters, children's, foreign, independent and even classic movies will be shown.
