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.

Wildflower Cottage

The Wildflower Cottage at Mountain Paradise is an open floor plan space with 2 bedrooms / one bath in the WV Mountains. The cottage is located in the Mountains of WV, with Wildlife viewing at it’s best! Just minutes from the Buckhannon River and a Pond on property. Cottage is located 10 miles out the Alexander Road in French Creek.

Property ID 2243003 on VRBO.

Creamy Delicious Doughnuts & Diner

Located inside Corridor H Tire

2656 Old Weston Rd.
Buckhannon WV 26201

304-473-4100

Hours of Operation : Monday-Saturday 6a-6p

Moon Flower

Moon Flower Hemp is a female-owned, mountain-made hemp company! On our farm, in the mountains of West Virginia, our hemp plants are raised from seed to harvest with endless amounts of love. We use all-natural practices while farming and harvesting our plants, no pesticides, herbicides, or any other harmful chemicals are used on our ~ladies~. Striving to better your health and overall well-being, we guarantee our top-of-the-line cannabis products will be the perfect aid for any of your needs. Along with giving back to our planet, by only feeding our plants with premium natural nutrients– Moon Flower has dedicated to using minimal plastic in our packaging. Almost our entire product line is packaged within biodegradable materials, including our top-selling gummies.

46 East Main St, Buckhannon WV, 26201
www.moonflowerhemp.com

Free Painting Event for Families

Thursday, April 25, 2024

The Mountain Cap Family Support Center, incollaboration with Mountain Mama Market & Artistry are hosting a FREE painting event for families. Supplies will be provided at the event. To pre-register, please call 304-878-1202.

4/25/24 from 6p-8p

30 E Main St, Buckhannon, WV

Oren + Folk

Oren + Folk sits on 62 private acres. The barn is located less than 20 minutes from Buckhannon, West Virginia. The 11 acre field can accomodate outdoor ceremonies, yard games, and a bonfire!

Accomodations include tables and chairs for up to 100 people. There are two dressing rooms, two public bathrooms, and one private bathroom connected to a dressing room.

https://www.orenandfolk.com/