We wanted to follow up on a story we reported a few weeks back - The restoration of the Strand Theatre. The Friends of the Strand group is working to restore the Strand Theater to its original 1936 art deco design. Currently, the group is working to attract a coffee house or other type establishment to be located in the inside of the renovated theatre, according to our sources.

Recently, the Friends of the Strand asked the Cobb County Commission to make a $250,000 donation to its effort to restore the old Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. What are your thoughts on this project? Will it have a positive impact on the Marietta Square? What are your opinions? Share them below by clicking the “Share your Opinion” icon.

thanks to Andy Sharp/AJC for the detailed article..

The Friends of the Strand has raised about $1.2 million to renovate the Strand Theatre on Marietta Square. The non-profit organization is trying to raise $5 million to restore the theater.

The not-for-profit organization is trying to raise $5 million to restore the building and create an endowment. The group is asking Cobb to make the $250,000 grant when its fund-raising effort reaches $2 million. So far Friends of the Strand has raised about $1.2 million, said Earl Smith, the group’s chairman.

When finished, the theater will seat 500 people and be used to show classic films, for hosting film festivals and for live productions and concerts. The upper story will be used as a reception area with open-air seating overlooking the Marietta Square. It will be available for rental to the public.

WHO’S AFFECTED
Everyone who pays taxes in Cobb or visits the Marietta Square.

THE MEETING
The Cobb Commission meeting will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, 100 Cherokee St. in Marietta.

LEARN MORE
Contact your commissioner. Telephone and e-mail addresses can be found at www.cobbcounty.org