Sneak peek: $90M restored Carolina Theatre opening soon
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The view from the theatre balcony. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
After nearly 50 years, the historic Carolina Theatre in Uptown is set to reopen any day now.
Why it matters: No one has enjoyed the theatre since it shuttered in 1978. But soon — after more than a decade of planning and restoration — Foundation For The Carolinas will reopen it as a community-first, nonprofit theatre on the corner of North Tryon and East 6th Street.
The big picture: With 906 seats, Carolina Theatre will host speakers, comedy shows, films, plays, weddings and live music — think everything from the symphony to "Star Wars" screenings.
Catch up quick: The Foundation took ownership of the theatre in 2012 and began construction in 2017. The restoration proved complicated, with costs soaring to $90 million. A mix of public dollars and donors paid for the project.
- From lead paint to contaminated water, crews kept uncovering surprises that prolonged construction. The impacts of COVID and permitting delays drew out the process as well.
What they're saying: "The attention to details makes it look like this," says Sean Seifert, Carolina Theatre executive. "It's worth the extra time and effort ... to get it right."
- Although the theatre looks vintage, it's equipped with the latest technology, such as a projection system that wraps around the walls and state-of-the-art sound comparable to AMC.
- "We like to say we're Charlotte's oldest, newest theatre," adds communications director Jared Misner.
Flashback: First opened in 1927, Carolina Theatre hosted legends such as Elvis Presley and "The Sound of Music" in its heyday. It has outlasted time in Charlotte — a city criticized for razing most of its history.
Zoom out: A 250-room InterContinental Hotel is planned for construction above the theatre, but the project stalled in 2020.
- Australian investment firm Salter Brothers holds the rights for two more years to start construction. It did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
- However, if construction were to begin now, the theatre would have to temporarily close again.
What's next: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's spring gala on March 28 is one of the first performances coming to the new Carolina Theatre.
- More events will be announced soon.
