Preservation Toolbox No. 6: Partnering for Preservation at the Princess Theatre, September 2

Preservation Event Reveals Secrets to Success of Princess Theatre

In September 1926 the Princess Theatre opened its doors in Downtown Harriman.  Now 84 years later, plans are in place to revitalize the Theatre as the centerpiece of the Princess Performing Arts, Education, and Conference Center.  On September 2, 2010 at 6:30 the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance will host the Preservation Toolbox No. 6: Partners for Preservation at the Princess Theatre Complex at 421 Roane Street in Downtown Harriman.

Gary Baker, Frank Sparkman, Bill Landry, and others will talk about ins and outs of the project.  They will share stories about securing grants and the importance of working with a wide range of partners in the community. 

Led by Gary Baker, who saw his first movie Old Yeller in second grade at the Princess, the workshop will feature a panel discussion about the importance of cultivating diverse partnerships to succeed with such an ambitious revitalization effort that will ultimately include almost an entire city block in Downtown Harriman.

The panel will include architect, Frank Sparkman, who has worked on historic theatres across the region and says, “theaters like the Princess were examples of fantasy architecture that stimulated the public’s imagination.”  He also says, historic theaters are poised to be economic engines for small downtowns and that the Princess Theater is one of the “best we’ve worked in.”

The presentation will take place in the television station, just next door to the Princess Theatre, that will be a key component of the Princess Theatre complex.  Channel 15, hosted by Comcast, is spearheaded by Roane State students and Bill Landry, who has been teaching multimedia courses for Roane State.

The original Princess Theater was damaged by fire in September 1932 and was later destroyed by fire in January 1939.  However, the building that stands today was opened on November 16, 1939 and was solidly built, which has paid off as the modern renovation begins. 

Light refreshments will be served.  Please call or email Knox Heritage at 865-523-8008 or egarlington@knoxheritage.org to RSVP for the event by September 1.

ETPA was founded in 2009 serve the 16-county East Tennessee region.  ETPA is made up of representatives from all 16 counties and works to help further historic preservation in the region through educational events, technical assistance, and by assisting existing organizations.