Gem Theatre earns Downtown Excellence Award
The Gem Theatre has served downtown Kannapolis for 89 years.
The freshly renovated theatre hosts meetings and community events, along with movies.
KANNAPOLIS — The Gem Theatre has received a Downtown Excellence Award from the North Carolina Downtown Development Association, the city of Kannapolis announced.
The historic theater was recognized in the Catalytic Projects category, which honors major investments and developments that have significantly transformed a downtown district by encouraging private investment, revitalizing underused properties and creating lasting economic and community benefits.
According to the city, the Gem Theatre was selected for its role in helping strengthen downtown Kannapolis through extensive phased renovations that have restored the nearly 90-year-old venue while drawing visitors to the area.
City officials said the theater has served as a community asset and economic anchor for 89 years. Recent restoration efforts have helped return the theater to its historic appearance and have contributed to sold-out performances and movie screenings that bring people downtown to shop, dine and visit local businesses.
"The Gem has been a community touchstone and economic anchor in downtown Kannapolis for decades. Recent renovations have enabled us to welcome new generations to this iconic movie theatre. We are pleased that our community supports the theatre by attending movies and supporting the first two phases of the renovations. Future renovations will include more concession and lobby space and improvements to the second floor. The completed and expected renovations allow us to offer a modern first-class movie experience in a historic setting. We look forward to continuing the tradition of seeing a movie at the Gem for decades to come," said Kannapolis Director of Parks and Recreation Gary Mills.
The winners
The complete list of winners is listed here:
Downtown Leader of the Year
Hayden Plemmons — Asheville Downtown Association
Downtown Impact Awards
• Brand Camp SouthPark — SouthPark Community Partners
• Downtown Dickinson Giveaway — Downtown Greenville Partnership
• Downtown Holiday Lights Program — Wilmington Downtown, Inc.
• Gem Theatre Renovation — City of Kannapolis
• Hillsborough Street Trick or Treat — Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation
• Small Business Initiative — University City Partners
• SouthPark Skipper — SouthPark Community Partners
• SouthPark Window Walk — SouthPark Community Partners
• The Bull Ride — Downtown Durham, Inc.
• The Lofts at Osage Mill — City of Bessemer City
• Two-Hour Free Parking Program — Downtown Raleigh Alliance
• Wilson Visitor Center — Wilson Downtown Development Corporation
Emerging Leaders
• Christina Haley — Wilmington Downtown, Inc.
• Shakira Hodges — University City Partners
