A project for one of the historical buildings in downtown Jefferson has collected a few funding resources to do an overhaul of both the outside and inside of the structure.

The Sierra Community Theatre was given a Greene County Community Foundation grant in 2020, along with being awarded a $130,000 facade rehabilitation grant through the city of Jefferson Facade program and a $20,000 private donation to improve the outer look of the over 130 year old building. Manager Sarah Nicholson says the faux brick on the facade, along with the current movie poster cases, doors and marquee are being replaced with updated fixtures. 

Nicholson describes the new marquee will pay homage to the theater’s history with a 1930s and 40s art deco style design blended with contemporary colors to give it a modern, yet unique look. She points out the new main sign will be facing towards traffic and have wrap-around texts to appeal to motorists and others. She says the project is anticipated to take about two months to complete and the theater will remain open during construction.

Nicholson points out that with the recent $100,000 grant from Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation, the non-gaming license holder for Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Jefferson, they are able to do a fall renovation to the inside of the theater. She states that new seating will finally be added to the auditorium and so when that project happens in the fall, they will have to temporarily close their facility. She adds that it is imperative that people continue to support the Sierra Community Theatre by watching movies, purchasing concession stand items, along with take home popcorn and donations because any time the theater is closed it is a risky endeavor, but the improvements will help sustain them for future years.