HISTORY TIMELINE
Where it all began
March 6, 1936
This movie house on Broad Street was designed by Erle Stillwell and first opened its doors as “State Theatre” on March 6, 1936. Films were shown here for the next forty-two years. The facility could seat 700 people and became the site of many locally produced civic and cultural events. Several well-known comedians also performed here in the 1930’s and 40’s.
1936
First major remodel of the exterior and interior.
In the mid-1950s, 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 permanent screen erected. It was operated by the Wilbey-Kincey chain. In 1962, Elvis’s Girls Girls Girls was shown as pictured with the updated outer facade.
50’s-60’s
Original State Theatre Closes
In 1978, the original State Theatre showed its final feature film and was closed for the next few years.
1978
The building is used for a Wide Variety of Purposes
On January 11, 1985, it reopened as the Christian Cinema, screening religious films. On August 12, 1988, it was renamed All-American Family Cinema. From 1990 to 1992, it became a dinner theatre and then a nightclub. After that, it was used for 10 years as a cheerleading school.
80’s-90’s
The theater is purchased and restorations are started.
In 2007, the theatre was purchased by DB3 Development Company. DB3 started renovating the building according to Erle Stillwell’s original plans, which they obtained from his archives. The new marquee sign similar to the original was provided by Wagner Electric Sign Company. Ownership changes a few times after this.
2007
Where it’s going
Mark Hunt purchases the theater
In November of 2019, Kingsport native and The Body Shop owner, Mark Hunt purchased the State Theatre from real estate agency Urban Synergy. The plans are to restore the venue into an entertainment spot for the whole community with plans to host some live music or stand-up comedy. There are also plans to develop a rooftop entertainment space with possibly a bar on top of the theater.
