Delaware Strand Theater

Historic Theaters
CASE Studies

Current Name of Theater:  The Strand Theatre
Current Type:  cinema
Seats:
Website: http://www.thestrandtheatre.net
Historic Names of Theater:   The Strand Theatre
Address:  28 E. Winter Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
Contact:   Tracey Peyton, Managing Director 740-816-1938
Email:   strandmail@aol.com
Year Built/Style: April 10, 1916
Original Architect:
Original Cost:
Listed on National Register:

History of Theater:  The Strand Theatre was opened by proprietor Henry Bieberson Jr in the New York Cash Store building.. Nearthe exit of the theatre, one can see the original opening announcement from The Journal Herald, printed on April 8, 1916. The Strand Theatre, is near the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University. Opened in 1916, the Strand is the tenth longest continuously operating movie theater in the United States.
In January of 1936, the Strand was purchased by Schine Theatres out of Gloversville, NY and was part of that chain of movie theatres until 1971. Schine manager George Johnson and his wife Cindy bought the single screen theater. Under the Johnson’s, the Strand grew from one screen to three screens. In 1982, the second screen was opened in the adjoining storefront to the left of the original lobby. In 1986, the balcony was closed and reconstructed to form the third screen.
Cost of Rehabilitation:  $5 million
Architect:
Contractors:
Source of Funds:
Renovation Story:  The Johnson’s owned the Strand until retiring in 1994, when Cathy and Jerry Amato took over the helm. In 2002 Ohio Wesleyan University took ownership and helped create the Strand Theatre and Cultural Arts Association, a 501 (c) 3 Non-profit board that currently owns the Strand.
On February 12, 2009 the Strand Theater & Cultural Arts Associate received an award for the renovations made to the concession area, and the restoration of the second floor windows. The Strand manager, Kara (McVay) Long, also received an award recognizing her efforts to promote the community and causes.[2]
In 2010, the Strand announced plans for $5 million in renovations. The renovations plan to add digital projectors, add three more screens, a blade with the Strand’s name on the marquee, and a back entrance within the next three years. The Strand requested $50,000 in economic development funds each from Delaware County and the City of Delaware for new seats and wall coverings.[3][4] On October 4, 2010, Delaware County commissioners granted $150,000 for renovations to the Strand.