Elizabethton, TN - Bonnie Kate Theatre to be purchased by the city

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on June 14, 2016 at 9:17 am

From WCYB.com: An effort to save a historic theater is now one step closer to reality. The Elizabethton City council voted unanimously Thursday night to purchase the Bonnie Kate Theatre.

The Elizabethton/Carter County Community Foundation gave the city $111,000 to make the purchase. Plans are to make it a performing arts center. They already have a tenet to place a bakery and restaurant in the theater as well.

John Huber has been leading the fight for the theater.

“It’s a diamond in the rough. I see such potential for it, and it just needs somebody to lead it to that potential,” Huber said.

The purchase should be completed in a few days. Then, a business plan will be made, and the restoration process will begin.

The city is also considering purchasing the gravel lot next door to the Bonnie Kate for approximately $20,000.

Full story at: http://www.wcyb.com/news/bonnie-kate-theatre-to-be-purchased-by-the-city/40000510

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org