JOHNSONBURG – A Johnsonburg man is looking to breath new life
into the former historic Armstrong Opera House-Palace movie
theater.

If accomplished, the restoration would be just the latest in a
line of economic success stories over the past several months in
the borough, which has also seen the opening of the Flemish House
Art Gallery and the creation of the Johnsonburg Renaissance
Foundation.

Two new stores have also been opened, with two more on the
way.

Along those lines, one individual, Roman Blashaw, is willing to
take an economic chance. Blashaw is the owner of the former
Armstrong Opera House-Palace movie theater on Market Street, which
is about 114-years-old.

Although the theater is long gone – the site closed its doors in
the early 1960s – the building remains.ðIt has been remodeled into
upstairs apartments and business offices downstairs, with the main
section of the theater comprised of a parking garage.ð

The theater does have portions of the past still standing, most
noticeable a chandelier which still hangs from the ceiling. Blashaw
would like to get it lit up once again, perhaps in time for the
annual Autumn Harvest Festival in September.

Officials said the theater was once the largest of its kind
located between Chicago and New York City.ðIt seated approximately
1,000 patrons, including the balcony sections.

In an effort to bring it back to its former glory, Blashaw
recently held a meeting seeking public input and gave a tour of the
theater. Parts of theðside balconies remain, along with the
skeletal frame from once hung the movie screen, the chandelier, and
slots where movie projectors once showed films like “Gone With the
Wind.”

During a tour, Blashaw told a group of 20 people about his plans
for the theater, which include the addition of a bar and grill and
remodeling the structure to eventually contain not just theatrical
releases, but live concerts and plays.ð

Blashaw said the bar and grill would be located in the basement
of the theater, which once housed a bowling lane and is now used
for storage. Blashaw has some experience in this area; he is a chef
for a local golf course restaurant.

Included in that area, according to Blashaw, would be a small
stage for a band to perform, along with a dining room, dance area,
coat room, and men’s and women’s restrooms. The bar area would be
separated from the dining and dance area, Blashaw said, adding
there would also be employee lounges for breaks.

Blashaw estimated the seating capacity would be around 300
people.

Meanwhile, on the first floor, the theater would be rebuilt on
the formerðlocation of an insurance company put in a coffee shop.
There would also be another space for which there is no current
plans, but Blashaw is open for suggestions for a business.

The second floor is home to apartments, and some would be
converted into a curved balcony; the original one was straight.ðIt
would also house a bar and men’s and women’s restrooms.ð

Blashaw said he would stay with the style of the theater’s era,
noting the balcony could hold upwards of 200 people. It would be
the only area above the street which serves alcohol.ð

All told, Blashaw said the new venture could create between 25
and 30 new jobs.

According to Blashaw, nothing will change until some basic
structural changes are looked into. He added the roof would need to
be rubber coated; he’s obtained three estimates which ranged from
approximately $60,000 to $80,000.

Blashaw also said the heating system would need updated; during
the winter months he has to keep the indoor temperatures above 32
degrees Fahrenheit.ðBlashaw said he would even look intoðusing
solar panels as a way of heating the structure.

Since the building is located in a designated historic district,
it may be eligible for funding, Blashaw said, adding he will seek
business loans to get the process started. He was told by a member
of the tour that there is little grant money available for an
individual, but if he were to become a non-profit organization,
would stand a better chance at receiving government grants.ð

It was also suggested that Blashaw visit other theaters that
underwent a similar process and talk with individuals about what
they had to go through.

A group of local citizens has also expressed an interest in
helping Blashaw with the process.