Extensive renovations at the Palace Theater in Crossville designed to make the facility a premier destination for shows and regional tourism.
Palace Theatre Administrator Malena Alderman oversaw the recent updates, which included new flooring and a fresh color scheme for the nearly 90-year-old building. She said that the facility is increasingly attracting visitors from areas like Kentucky, Georgia, and beyond.
“Well, for us, we are becoming more and more a regional draw,” Alderman said. “We are getting acts coming out of Nashville, we’re getting some big names, some up-and-coming names, we’re getting a lot of tribute bands and we’re drawing people from all around the region.”
Alderman said the venue reopens March 14 after a two-month closure to host a concert by The Frontmen. The project took approximately two months to complete and includes the installation of brand-new seats.
“So we’ll have all new seats and the whole color scheme will be neutral tones, mostly grays and blacks, and will send your eye toward the stage so that everything going on stage is more your focus versus your setting,” Alderman said.
The interior changes involve a shift to gray walls and a black ceiling to create a darker environment better suited for film screenings. Additionally, the new flooring was selected to be more slip-resistant and safety-conscious by reducing thresholds.
“Since we’re the only movie theater in Crossville now, it’s better with the the darker the darker walls we can get the the theater a little bit darker so that you can enjoy the movie better,” Alderman said. “So it just sets us up for multi-purpose and we’re here for the, you know, for the future and now we’re ready for another 25-30 years.”
Alderman said the facility was restored and saved from destruction about 25 years ago, but the carpet in the balcony and main auditorium was in desperate need of replacing. The theater is owned by Crossville, and officials view the site as a critical component of downtown history and future tourism development.
“And as we, you know, as we do these updates and as we continue we’re making a name, you know, throughout the region and we’re drawing people from everywhere and it’s it’s great for tourism development and we’re very appreciative of of a council that sees those visions,” Alderman said.
Future plans for the venue include replacing uneven tile and continuing upgrades to the concessions area.