Follow EDN on Social Media |

ATHENA — The Gem Theatre once stood as a shining jewel in the Athena community, and soon will return to its former beauty with the help of local school teacher Rob McIntyre and a group of determined students.

The theater, which originally opened as a restaurant and saloon in 1901 before becoming a theater in 1909, has stood empty for 55 years. It was donated to the city in 2004 to be renovated as a theater, and McIntyre along with about 400 students have been working on it since.

#placement_575850_0_i{ display: block !important;
}
#placement_575850_0_i{width:100%;margin:0 auto;}

230416-wub-loc-GemTheater-img411.jpg

Rob McIntyre overlooks the Gem Theatre in Athena from its balcony on Friday, April 14, 2023.

230416-wub-loc-GemTheater-img479.jpg

The Gem Theatre in downtown Athena nears completion Friday, April 14, 2023.

230416-wub-loc-GemTheater-img406.jpg

The bar of the Star Saloon next door to The Gem Theatre in Athena nears completion Friday, April 14, 2023.

Rob McIntyre

McIntyre

Original Article: Source