STATE THEATER Location
One of the most recognizable buildings in Uptown is the State Theater. The
Concept Summary
Theater presents a unique opportunity for the district. This historic and iconic building, with its classic marquee, was one of the most popular topics of discussion throughout the Uptown planning process. Once a popular movie
Concerns:
theater, the State Theater saw a decline in attendance in the 1950s and Broadway Avenue
1960s, leading to its sale. After several different retail uses, it became home to “Amish Originals” in 1992, which relocated to another location in Uptown
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What will happen to the State Theater in the future?
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Can the State Theater return to being a more dynamic anchor for Uptown?
in 2012. As a result, the State Theater building was available for purchase during the development of this plan. Recently, the building was purchased
The year-long period of availability generated a great deal of dialogue in the community about the significance of the State Theater to Uptown and to Westerville. Many viewed this as a rare window of opportunity for
What We Heard:
Lincoln Street
with the intent to continue its use of the first floor for retail space.
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Home Street
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and active anchor of Uptown. What the experience crystallized for the
Help make it a destination draw for Uptown
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supporters of Uptown is the need to be prepared with a plan of action should
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repurposed to a more beneficial use for the community and a more prominent
Save the State Theater
Benefits
THE HISTORIC FACADE AND MARQUEE OF THE STATE THEATER MAKES IT ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC BUILDINGS IN UPTOWN.
the community to influence the future use of the building, allowing it to be
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the building come up for sale again in the future.
Winter Street
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One of the buildings most identified with Uptown. Potential for active retail storefronts and second floor residential units. Destination location within Uptown. Strong activity node would serve as attraction and economic generator for Uptown. Site for potential collaboration among City, Uptown, Otterbein, local schools, local organizations, and local businesses.
While there were many different ideas proposed throughout the Uptown planning process as to the most beneficial use of the State Theater, the
Recommendations
Park Street
general consensus was that the theater should return to a community-
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oriented purpose that preserves the building’s unique features, character, and facade. Examples of these proposed uses include:
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a movie theater
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an event venue
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an arts center (possibly in collaboration with Otterbein University)
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Walnut Street
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a performing arts theater (possibly in collaboration w/Otterbein)
Plum Street
State
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THE STATE THEATER’S CENTRAL LOCATION IN UPTOWN CREATES THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPURPOSE IT AS A DESTINATION PLACE, HELPING TO DRAW PEOPLE TO THE UPTOWN DISTRICT.
Whatever use is deemed most appropriate use of the theater, it is strongly recommended that if it comes up for sale again, the City of Westerville should take an active role to help ensure the building is preserved and repurposed in
STAT E T H EAT ER LOC AT I ON
a way that serves Uptown and the Westerville community. PREVIOUSLY, THE STATE THEATER WAS USED AS A FURNITURE RETAIL STORE.
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LOCATION OF THE EXISTING HISTORIC STATE THEATER
Pursue preservation of the State Theater as a community asset. Should the State Theater be available for sale again, City should secure option to purchase for a specific period of time (at least six months) to pursue a feasibility study that would evaluate future uses, potential partners, sources of funding and ongoing operations, and community benefit. Develop the feasibility study ahead of time to be prepared.