Athena Theater Undergoing Major Facelift

Contact: Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Sostarich, (740) 593-2561, or Media Specialist Jack Jeffery, (740) 597-1793 or jefferyj@ohio.edu

Editors: An artist's rendering of the renovated Athena Theater can be downloaded from the Web at: http://www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/ATHENA.JPG

ATHENS, Ohio (June 28, 2001) -- The Athena Theater will be back in the movie business. A renovation project is underway to refurbish the movie house and return it to its original luster as a landmark in Uptown Athens.

Since Ohio University acquired the theater earlier this year, plans have been developed to make the movie house a first-rate facility for viewing flicks.

The theater is receiving a major facelift, and among the new features are an upgraded sound and projection system; the installation of a marquee, elevator, new carpet and roof; renovation of the three theater areas, lobby and restrooms; exterior work, and upgraded mechanical and electrical systems.

Work began on the 18,600-square-foot facility in early June, and the new grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 6. Total price of the project is an estimated $2.45 million, including $600,000 to purchase the facility.

"The renovation project promises to result in a quality movie going experience for everyone," said Michael Sostarich, Ohio University Vice President for Student Affairs. "It will continue to be a major player in the community and will operate as a commercial movie theater, showing films every night."

The early phases of the renovation have included getting rid of asbestos and the removal of existing seats and projection equipment. Seats will be refurbished in the upstairs theater area and will be replaced in the two downstairs theaters with modern seats that include cup-holders. Projection equipment is being repaired and upgraded as needed.

The Athena will be operated as a self-sufficient commercial venture and will need to generate sufficient income to cover operating and upgrade costs. A management company will be hired to operate the theater, and a local management board will provide direction. Members of the board include Sostarich, Vice President for Finance Dick Siemer, Dean of the College of Fine Arts Raymond Tymas-Jones, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Planning John Kotowski and three community members who will be named this summer.

An advisory committee of Ohio University students, faculty and staff will provide additional input on film selections.

"We plan to show a wide range of films, including commercial, art and foreign selections," Sostarich said.

Besides continuing to offer movies for members of the community, the Athena will provided needed space for campus events.

"We will continue to work with the International Film Festival, the University Program Council and other student groups to provide a venue for their events," Sostarich said.

Additionally, the upper-level theater area will be equipped with projection equipment for 16-mm and 35-mm films and video and could be used by film classes to view selections.