Terre Haute theater donated to Vigo County CIB
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A century-old theater in downtown Terre Haute is under new ownership. Terre Haute businessman Greg Gibson has donated the Indiana Theatre to the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board, and the venue will operate as a first-run movie theater.
The Indiana Theatre first opened in 1922. Gibson said he acquired the venue in 2021 with the goal of ensuring its operation remained within the local business community.
“When I acquired the property, it was never my intention to handle and oversee the operations of the facility,” Gibson said in written remarks. “Instead, I, along with the community, simply wanted to ensure the integrity of the building was honored. This is a such a prominent cornerstone in Vigo County with a rich history. Handing it over to the CIB to build up and bring back to life is an important part in the building’s future.”
The CIB will retain ownership of the theater, and daily operations will be managed by KJB Theaters, which also operates the Moonline Drive-In in Terre Haute, as well as other theaters in Bloomington, Linton, and east central Illinois.
KJB President Brent Barnhart told our partners at WTWO-TV renovations will take place over the next few months, including “new roofing, new HVAC, new wiring, new plumbing, new chairs, the new projection system and sound and screen, as well as a new concession stand and bar area and a new marquee as well.”
KJB plans to run more than 20 movies per year with an average run of 2-3 weeks. Plans are also in place to offer a free summer kids’ series.
Officials project the theater to serve about 29,000 guests per year.
“This is an incredible milestone for the entertainment scene in our community,” said Mayor Duke Bennett. “The CIB looks forward to bringing this community staple back to life, and we are grateful for Greg’s generosity in helping us get there.”
City and county officials plan to work over the next several months to establish a timeline for opening the theater, though the mayor said he expected it to take 12-14 months.