CANTON, Ohio — It's minutes from showtime, and the doors open for a dance performance. The long line filters into the historic Canton Palace Theatre. Patrons crowd in for popcorn and drinks before finding their seats. An evening of memories is about to be made.
"There is an intense emotional connection to this facility from many, many residents here in Canton," remarks The Palace Theatre Executive Director, Georgia Paxos.
The grand theatre, of almost 100 years, has not kept up with modern needs.
"The needs of the performers are changing. The needs of the audience is changing, and we want to make sure that we're keeping up with that," said Paxos.
That's why a $16 million project will soon be underway. It will double the size of The Palace, expanding along 6th Street and in the back of the theatre.
"We want to be able to facilitate larger shows, more attendees and provide the best customer experience that we possibly can," said Paxos.
"It's definitely the biggest thing we've done here at the Palace,” said 100th Anniversary Project Committee Chairman, Tood Herberghs. “And it's one of the bigger projects going on downtown. But we didn't take it lightly."
Increasing the size of the stage, adding a second lobby, new dressing rooms, an elevator and more ADA seating and accessibility, 2 years of planning to make sure the future of The Palace is secure.
"It is, you know, the heartbeat of downtown when The Palace is busy, downtown is busy. The city's busy,” said Herberghs.
The ability to bring in larger shows is estimated to triple the theatre's economic impact to $9 million annually.
"So it's not only an investment in The Palace, it's an investment in Canton and our entire community," said Paxos.
Built in 1926, it is an atmospheric theater, made popular by architect John Eberson. The ceiling appears as the sky with stars and moving clouds. The theme, a mediterranean courtyard between two Spanish castles. These historic details will not be touched in the coming renovations.
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"We need to do this for our downtown. We need to do this for the Palace," said Herberghs.
Expected to break ground in the fall of this year, construction will be completed during the theatre's 100th season in 2 years.
"There will be some special movie events. There will be some special concert events,” said Paxos. “We want to honor our history, but also look ahead to the future."
Promising more memories, show after show.
"Everybody loves the palace. And as the steward and caretaker of this facility, that's the motivation that I have to make sure the Palace stays open,” said Paxos.
The Palace Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 26, 1979.
