(Editors note: Seventeen years ago work was just starting on the restoration of the Palace Theatre.)
The effort to save Crossville’s Palace Theater started some 15 years ago; supporters can finally breathe a sigh of relief after Wednesday’s ground breaking ceremony and work on the building moving forward.
Crossville Mayor J. H. Graham told the crowd gathered for the ceremony, “This building will be the cornerstone for the enhancement of the small town character of Crossville.” Graham added that many people have memories of small town life tied to the Palace.
Graham shared that he had his first date with his wife at the Palace Theater to see the movie “Walking Tall.” Graham also said that his parents had gone seen the classic movie “Gone with the Wind” at the Palace.
“This theater shall not be gone with the wind,” promised Graham.
While restoration work was done on the Palace, plywood
protected the already restored neon marquee. (Photos by Jim Young)
Rear of original building that was removed to expand the stage area.
prior to work starting a portion of the rear wall fell during a wind storm
Contractors work on the interior of the theatre.
The stage area is behind the worker in this photo
“Most of us have never seen an uncut diamond,” said Graham. “I feel like I’m standing in front of a diamond in the rough. A building that’s been designed for many uses.”
The Mayor thanked a long list of people including Downtown Crossville Inc., the Greater Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society and Cumberland County school students who gave their pennies and others.
DCI member Jim Purcell, who acted as master of ceremonies recognized special guest, Joe Edd Hodges. Hodges, long time Cumberland County art educator spearheaded the first efforts to reuse the Palace Theater in the 1980’s. Hodges has been in poor health for several years.
Purcell also thanked the Tennessee Department of Transportation who were instrumental in helping Crossville get the ISTEA grant. ISTEA is a federally funded transportation enhancement program that is paying for part of the renovation so the Palace project can include a tourism/visitors center.
Another important partner in the Palace project according to Purcell is Regal Cinemas, who have their corporate offices in Knoxville. Regal has donated theater seats, projectors and other needed equipment. Regal has also offered their expertise when needed.
Purcell called DCI the glue that held this project together or “this corner would be a parking lot.”
“I don’t think any of us have any idea what impact this project will have on our community,” Purcell told those gathered. “Come back in several months for our grand opening.”
DCI president Dr. Richard Bradley thanked the many familiar faces in the crowd who helped on the Palace effort including Vancenitta Wisdom and Joe Edd Hodges.
Bradley added that “DCI’s work is just starting” as the group works to furnish and operate the theater. Fundraising for items needed to improve the theater facilities will continue as the construction moves forward.
Those who attended the ceremony had a chance to step into the old Palace lobby to see what the building looks like in its current condition. Immediately after the groundbreaking, employees of Pioneer Construction were back at work on the building.
