Avett family to help revive historic Cabarrus County theater
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Rendering courtesy of Mt. Pleasant Theatre, Inc.
A historic movie theater in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, is getting a second act and a famous family name.
Why it matters: Plans to refurbish and transform the long-vacant Paula Theater into The Avett Theater could bring national touring acts to a small Cabarrus County town about 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte.
Driving the news: The Paula Theater has been donated to a nonprofit that plans to renovate it into a live music venue and performing arts center.
- Renovations will preserve the building's original stage, façade and historic character, while updating it for modern performances, a member of the nonprofit board tells Axios.
Between the lines: Yes, the family of the Avett Brothers.
- The theater is named for the Avett family, longtime Mount Pleasant residents since 1947.
- The Avett family is actively involved in planning and oversight, alongside local business and community leaders, with Mt. Pleasant Theatre, Inc., the nonprofit overseeing the project.
What they're saying: "On behalf of Scott, Seth, Bonnie, and the entire Avett family, it is especially meaningful to have this new theater named for our family in our hometown," musician Jim Avett, father of Seth and Scott Avett, said in a statement, adding that the family looks forward to making the theater a destination for live music.
The big picture: A $3.75 million capital campaign is underway to fund renovation, preservation and startup costs. Albemarle-based Uwharrie Bank donated an initial $250,000.
- The roughly 634-seat venue will host live music, educational programming, and community events, which the team behind the effort says will boost nearby restaurants, shops and hotels.
- "Bringing this landmark back to life will preserve an important piece of our history and return it to active community use," said Allen Dobson, one of the local business leaders who donated the building.
Flashback: The Paula Theatre opened in 1948 and was described as "modern in every respect" by Showman's Trade Review.
- Since its closure in the late '50s, the 13,000-square-foot building has housed other businesses before sitting vacant in recent years.
What's next: Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with an opening planned for 2027.
- Design and construction partners will be announced in the coming months.