Homepage

Colonial Arts Center

History & Renovation of the former Colonial Theatre

The Colonial Theatre was constructed in 1924 and is listed as a contributing structure in Buckhannon’s Downtown Historic District for its exterior façade. The architect is not known at this time. Under the ownership of Garland West, it was operated as the Colonial Theater from 1930-1966 and underwent two major building renovation phases. In 1966, the West’s leased the cinema to Park, Inc. of Clarksburg, WV. In the early 1970’s, Grey Barker assumed management of the cinema, and renamed it The Cinema V. Barker is a noted UFO author and enthusiast, who died in 1984. Peter Griesinger, a documentary filmmaker, also has ties to the building. In the early 1980’s the cinema was renovated into a bar. The building contains 4,400 square feet on first floor and basement, and a balcony containing 2100 square feet.

In the last few years, the building was beginning to show signs of severe deterioration both inside and out, and the future of the former theatre looked grim. Buckhannon City Council foresaw that the building would either eventually need to be demolished–potentially at the City’s expense if the building was abandoned–or another transfer of ownership might ensue with minimal repairs undertaken and a change of use not fitting with the historic downtown theme and culture.

Buckhannon City Council held a town hall meeting in March 2017 to seek input from the community about the building and its future (see the attached minutes below). Council received suggestions ranging from a venue for youth activities, performances, training, and business meetings, among others. The dominant feedback supported public purchase of the property and renovating the space for the benefit of the community.

Following the positive response to the acquisition at the town hall, the City of Buckhannon submitted a grant proposal to acquire and renovate the Colonial Theatre for historic preservation to the West Virginia Division of Culture and History in the spring of 2017. Despite heavy competition with numerous projects contending for a piece of the pie, the Colonial Theatre proposal received $102,000 in award dollars for this grant cycle. Thus far, local arts organizations have donated $5,500 toward the renovation.

The City of Buckhannon purchased the old theatre located at 48 E. Main Street in January 2017 at a cost of $60,000, significantly below the appraised value of $80,000. As of February 2018, city employees have worked approximately 1,600 hours in demolition and clean-up work, including floor replacement and roof repair, meeting the match requirements for the grant funding of $102,000. Grant funding has provided $52,000 for materials and roof repair.

In October 2017, Buckhannon Community Theatre presented a special showing of “Rocky Horror Show” at the theatre and was a big success. In 2018, ART26201 presented a Variety Show in June and the City hosted Fall Fest performances in September with a “Battle of the Bands” and Appalachian folk dancing and old-time music.

Olde Tyme Cabins & Yurts

Hillbilly Grill

Phone: 304.471.2223

Come & enjoy our restaurant, bar and outside deck (heated in the winter) with glass windows for scenic views. Hillbilly Grill was featured in a recent article that covered AMAZING burgers found around the state of West Virginia. Click HERE for the article!

1235 Stonecoal Lake Road, Buckhannon WV
hillbillygrill.business.site

Mountain Chic Boutique

Mountain Chic Boutique is an online + in-store women’s boutique. Our goal is to encourage women to take a leap of faith in their own lives and go after their dreams.

Mountain Chic Boutique wants to create a community of strong, well-dressed women who aren’t afraid to take on this crazy world together. We truly believe confidence starts with a few gal pals and a cute outfit! And we’re here to help with both.

Mountain Chic Boutique is located in the BEAUTIFUL state of West Virginia. MCB’s name and logo were inspired by the mountains, sights, and scenery that the beautiful state of WV has to offer. If you ever find yourself in the area, swing through Buckhannon, WV and say hi!

25 West Main Street, Buckhannon
Shop Online: mtnchicboutique.com
Facebook: facebook.com/shopmountainchic

‘Left of Center’ Art Exhibition

Friday, January 17, 2025

Opera House

The Opera House is a full-service catering facility & entertainment venue housed in 3 Historic structures, located in the Heart of Historic downtown Buckhannon. In the 1930’s these three separate buildings were connected and opened-up on the 1st floor to accommodate the G.C. Murphy Company 5 & 10 store, which operated here through the 1980’s, before giving in to the big box retailers. We have Transformed the space into a Beautiful Event Center with 100-year old hardwood floors, Coffered Ceilings, Exposed Brick, Colorful Lighting & Stylish Decor. We can seat up to 200-Guests for dinner, have an elevated Stage for entertainment and Stylish Bar to get the Party Going. There is a Green Room off the stage with a full bath, wet bar and make­up table to accommodate everyone’s expectations.

12 East Main Street, Buckhannon WV
www.cj-maggies.com