ASHLAND — The Ashland earned statewide distinction this week from Heritage Ohio, the state-wide preservation and downtown revitalization non-profit.
The Ashland Theatre was honored with the Best Theater Renovation Award when Heritage Ohio had its annual awards ceremony at the Dayton Arcade on Oct. 10 as part of the opening of their annual Preservation and Ohio Main Street Conference.
Ashland Schine’s officially opened in 1942 with one screen, and a total seating capacity of 1,500 people.
While live acts were part of the theatre’s offerings, it was primarily a movie theatre (and had the narrow stage to prove it).
To attempt to remain relevant, the theatre was turned into a multiplex in 1976, with three screens and a total of 600 seats. The theatre closed in 2011.
In 2015, a non-profit bought the theatre and began to restore it.
A $4.1 million capital campaign, along with $1.3 million from two different Ohio capital budget allocations, enabled the theatre to reopen in May of 2023, with one screen on the first floor, and two smaller screens in the former balcony, screens which can be lifted to allow all theatre-goers to watch the action on the first floor.
Local design firm, Simonson Construction, led the rebuilding project, with work by many other local businesses, including BCU Electric and Comfort Control.
The opening of the theatre was a true public-private partnership.
The city completely renovated the parking lot at its own cost, and is now leasing the lot back to the theatre for a dollar a year.
Now called “The Ashland,” which was the theatre’s original name, the theatre once again welcomes movie-goers, and will soon host live shows and musical acts.
Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio.
Heritage Ohio is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to become involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org.