Academy Theater Case Study

Preservation in Action Award Recipient

Julie Stewart, Heywood Stewart, & Ty Dupuis - owners
Stephanie Brown, Local Color- project designer
Joe Vondrak, Pacific Crest Construction – contractor

The Academy Theater is a “streamline moderne” movie house built in 1948. Standing in the heart of the Montavilla neighborhood’s business district, it had fallen onto hard times and had been completely gutted in the 1970’s.

The rehabilitation of the Theater was launched with a “call for memories” out in the community which garnered stacks of photos and recollections to guide the project. Seismic and structural upgrades consumed the bulk of the budget, yet creative use of paint, lighting, and fixtures brought this neighborhood landmark back to life.

There is no doubt that the Academy Theater’s preservation has been a catalyst in the neighborhood. It has sparked both storefront improvements along SE Stark Street and an influx of new businesses in the Montavilla neighborhood. This is a wonderful example of grassroots preservation!

More Photos of the Academy Theater

Click to enlarge the images below.