MINNEAPOLIS - The historic Parkway Theater in south Minneapolis is set to reopen in September with new owners and a new look.
"This whole project is about taking something that was old and making it new, making it relevant again," said co-owner Ward Johnson.
Built in 1931, it's the first extensive renovation of The Parkway Theater in more than 40 years.
"This is, I would say, a complete restoration of this historic theater," said co-owner Eddie Landenberger.
They're refurbishing the original chairs—going from 326 to 373 seats.
The rows will also have more leg room. It'll include upgrades to the stage lighting and sound, a fully-staffed bar, '80s arcade, two additional main floor bathrooms, and restored 35mm projectors.
The pair plans on highlighting the Art Deco details of the building.
"We're probably focusing right in that '70s, '80s and a little bit early '90s for the kind of classic movies, guilty pleasures, summer blockbusters, cult movies. Different things that people probably haven't seen on the big screen in a long time," Johnson said. "The movies are all about nostalgia. We want people to feel like going to the movie felt like when they were a kid going to the movies. So watching it in the original 35mm format but also feeling that sense of community."
The Parkway will also be home to live music, speakers, comedy and more.
"We're really excited for the opportunity to just invigorate this space with the restoration of the theater, bring new programming to the space, and just provide a lot of opportunities for the neighborhood and the greater community to come together," Landenberger said.
The Parkway Theater officially reopens September 13 with a 35mm screening of Steven Spielberg's Jaws.
You can see a full schedule of events, here.