1931 downtown Angola theater back showing movies, this time digitally
February 29, 2016
1931 downtown Angola theater back showing movies, this time digitally
Jennifer Decker, Herald Republican
Those who attended an Angola Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for the re-opening of the iconic downtown theater appeared pleased with its transformation.
Scott and Melissa Glaze of Fort Wayne Metals, Fort Wayne, who also have a property at Lake James, purchased the theater in the northwest Public Square quadrant in 2014.
Meticulous restoration efforts stretched to 1 1/2 years with a goal of returning the theater to it heyday, plus expanding into an adjacent building that has allowed for many new amenities. The theater has been a downtown fixture since 1931.
Angola Mayor Dick Hickman praised the Glazes for taking the 85-year-old building and restoring it through a substantial investment.
“We have a great appreciation for Scott and Melissa and their dedication to this building,” Hickman said. He said the theater will likely bring back memories for those who patronize it.
When asked if it was worth the wait, Scott Glaze smiled and said, “Of course it was. We hope it’s a centerpiece for many years to come.”
The theater’s interior was restored to its original art deco period décor. Also, the building was fitted with digital projection, upgraded seating, main floor restrooms — they used to be in the basement and were not handicap accessible — two movie screens with seating for 200 patrons and a private viewing room. Also added were a bar and kitchen allowing for service of alcohol and food. The new space resembles the old with meticulous attention given to detail. Plaster molding, arches and lighting were duplicated in the new.
“Nothing surprises you when you work with an old building,” Scott Glaze said. He and Melissa have done the same with Fort Wayne buildings.
“Whenever you work with an old building, you want something with old bones,” she said. “When we do a project we pay attention to detail. The most important thing is you listen to people’s opinions.”
Scott Glaze said eventually the theater will have its own mini museum showing its Angola history.
In keeping with its history, Glaze said the theater is named in honor of Joe and Norma Brokaw. Glaze noted rather than having the traditional signs of screens No. 1 and 2, one is called Joe Theater and the other Norma Theater.
The Glazes also have purchased the former Pint & Slice building and are renovating that building, including an adjacent space that had been closed off, that will accommodate Monument Pizza, which is expected to open in March or April. The building is in the northeast quadrant of the Public Square.
