State Theatre
157 Broad Street,
Kingsport,
TN
37660
157 Broad Street,
Kingsport,
TN
37660
3 people
favorited this theater
The State Theatre was built in 1936. Designed by architect Erle G. Stilwell, the 700 seat movie theatre was originally decorated in the Mediterranean Rivival/Atmospheric style, complete with murals and a lighted star constellation in the ceiling. The theatre has both screen and stage capabilities.
In the mid-1950’s, the State Theatre was remodeled to accommodate more modern tastes and the Cinemascope format. The Mediterranean garden wall was removed, the murals painted over and a premanent screen erected. It was operated by the Wilbey-Kincey chain.
In 1978, the State Theatre showed its final feature film and was closed. In 2007, the State was purchased by DB3 Development Company, LLC. Prior to that it had been in use as a Christian movie house known as the All American Family Cinema in around 1990 to 1992, a dinner theatre, a nightclub, a gymnasium and had spent the last decade as a cheerleading school.
DB3 is currently renovating the building according to Stillwell’s original plans, which they obtained from his archives. Currently (in early 2009) under construction, the State Theatre is expected to open in Spring 2009.
Contributed by
JackCoursey, Doug Beatty
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Recent comments (view all 21 comments)
1983 photo of the State Theatre.
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1984 photo of the State Theatre. Looks like the State stopped showing movies between 1983 and 1984 according to the marquee in the 1983 phto they were showing “Owl & The Pussycat” and that was far from being anything near a christian film.
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This theatre has gone through some changes over the years, but glad to see that it is being renovated/restored with TLC.
A couple photos of this theate’s progress from June 2010:
http://agilitynut.com/10/6/kingstate.jpg
http://agilitynut.com/10/6/kingstate2.jpg
Feb 6 1969 and THE BEATLES are playing in"YELLOW SUBMARINE"
Dec.11 ,1969 and “PARANOIA” a horror movie is playing with no one admitted under 18 without a parent.
Here is a 1947 photo of the State Theatre’s auditorium, showing part of the original Mediterranean atmospheric decoration of the sidewall.
Big Christmas Movie One week only,John Wayne in the “HELLFIGHTERS”.Adults were 1.25 and kids were 50 cents.1967.
The developer’s plan is stalled, so the theatre is going to sit there until somebody comes up with the funding to buy it and finish the restoration:
https://kingsportarchives.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/state-theatre/
David’s link
What exactly is the current status of this theatre?
Lamplight is working to finnish restoring it!Hopeing thay got all the pleages that thay need.