The Athena Theater is about to resume its place as a prominent Uptown Athens resident. Renovation of the local landmark is nearing completion and the movie theater is expected to open by March. Ohio University acquired the movie house in early 2001, and a major facelift on the 18,600-square-foot facility was begun in early June.
A management company is being selected to operate the theater, with a local management board providing direction. Members of the board include Vice President for Student Affairs Michael 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, Associate Director of the Legal Affairs Office Nicolette Dioguardi and community members Larry Conrath, Kris Cornwell and Sandy Bortle.
The University purchased the theater for $600,000 from Lancaster businessman William Duerson, who acquired and renovated the theater following a fire in 1988. The total price of Ohio University's purchase and renovations is approximately $2.45 million.
The building includes one theater upstairs (approximately 230 seats) and two theaters downstairs (about 165 seats each). The Athena will be operated as a self-sufficient commercial venture and will need to generate sufficient income to cover operating and upgrade costs. It may be used for classroom space, especially when academic buildings are being renovated. Other possible uses for the theater include as a venue for the International Film Festival, University Programming Council events and other campus-sponsored activities.
