Valley Theatre Saved; Will Reopen as The Grand Theater

posted by GrandValleyHoldingsLP on September 28, 2004 at 7:22 am

EAST GREENVILLE, PA — The Valley Theatre recently received a new lease on life after the new owners reconsidered the final business use for the building.

Originally, Grand – Valley Holdings LP was committed to restoring the original appearance of the building but to level the floor and use the former theater for retail use. Due to the lack of support the theater received in recent years, it went to sheriff sale this past March 2004. Given the lack of patronage by the community to the theater, the partners initially thought its hopes to be re-opened were non-existent.

After dozens of calls and numerous people stopping by the theater since the partners' August 20, 2004 acquisition, the firm decided to give the 1924 Neo-Classical revival theater another shot.

The building is in very rough shape as seen in the pictures found on this website. Roof problems have plagued the structure for years and the amount of water damage is very evident in the photographs The firm has contracted with a Canadian company to manufacture the original dies for the pressed tin ceiling and reproduce the ceiling in every exacting detail.

Also, a feature seldom seen are the tin cornices and wall adornments in the auditorium and lobby. A trough 20" below the side walls where they meet the ceiling contain lights that have not worked for years that are meant to illuminate the awesome ceiling.

A new 4800 sq. ft. roof, decking replacement, and joist replacement on the roof structure coupled with new heating and air conditioning systems are currently in process.

The firm is planning on spending over $400,000 on repairs/restoration of the building. The firm is searching for rebuilt or used projection and sound equipment and sources for good used seating or reasonable new seating. President, Ed Buchinski, can be reached at .

Theaters in this post

• Grand Theater