Holly Theatre Restoration

Some of the first ‘sound’ films were seen at the Holly Theatre in the 1930’s and it was an icon bringing families and business to downtown Medford. When restored, it can do that again, according to Randy McKay, Executive Director. With an original seating capacity of 1200, the Holly operated until 1986, when changes in the motion picture industry caused many single-screen movie hours to close. The Holly is Randy’s third historic theatre restoration project.

When restored, the theatre will have 1,003 seats and be the largest venue between Redding, Calif. and Eugene, Oregon. The restoration project has three goals: Historic preservation, support the arts and revitalization. Several have asked if the restoration of the Holly will have an impact on the Collier Center. A study revealed that it will have 88% unique events. As far as revitalizing, the theatre has the potential to add $3M to the Rogue Valley economy with 90 new jobs and over 10,000 hotel guests. When open, the theatre’s operating model calls for 95% earned income from ticket sales and the balance from donations/memberships.

At present, 88% of the funds to restore the building have been raised and bids are out to contractors. It is projected that restoration will begin in the 4th quarter of 2017 and that the theatre will be open first quarter 2019.

For more information on the Holly, please call 541-772-3797 or go to:   hollytheatre.org.