Cary buys old theater for cultural center

Cary has purchased the former site of the town's first indoor movie theater, which officials said they plan to turn into a multi-use cultural facility.

Posted 6:06 p.m. Jul 13, 2011 — Updated 6:06 p.m. Jul 13, 2011

CARY, N.C. — Cary has purchased the former site of the town’s first indoor movie theater, which officials said they plan to turn into a multi-use cultural facility.

The town paid $410,000 for the 65-year-old, 7,488-square-foot building at 122 E. Chatham St. Officials said they expect to spend another $1 million in the next 12 to 18 months to renovate the building so it can handle music, theater and film events.

“Its location in the heart of Cary’s downtown and its early history as Cary’s first indoor movie theater were key factors in the town’s decision to immediately proceed with the project,” Ed Gawf, Cary's downtown development manager, said in a statement.

Officials said they hope to proceed with design bids and the selection of a consultant next month and begin work by this winter. The facility is expected to be ready for public use by the end of 2012.

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