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Community cheers refurbished Antioch Theatre's encore

Converted from a live performance venue in 1924, the Antioch Theatre never was known for the ornate architecture seen in some other suburban movie palaces of the era. But for 90 years, it has been a mainstay of downtown Antioch, a place where generations of residents in the small town were drawn for entertainment and camaraderie.

Over time, the theater lost its luster. By last summer, attendance was down, the building was in extensive disrepair and an auction in lieu of foreclosure was a possibility.

Downtown business owner Tim Downey bought the building with the hope of a rekindling the attraction.

The result is a complete $750,000 renovation and upgrade to digital equipment and the conversion of an adjoining retail space into a second, more intimate theater.

The encore of the Antioch Theatre began Friday afternoon and the community responded.

For kids, the attraction in the smaller space was "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge out of Water."

The audience also filled 160 floor seats and 56 balcony seats in the main theater to see "Kingsman: The Secret Service."

"This is great," said Mike Malone of Antioch. "We're really excited to see the theater reopen up. It's great to be back"

"Your downtown is still the social center, it's the heartbeat of most communities," said Mayor Larry Hanson, who grew up in Antioch.

And once again, the Antioch Theatre is contributing to that sentiment.

  The Lucas family of Trevor, Wisconsin head to their movie as the Antioch Theatre officially opened Friday. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
  Jeffrey and Sandra Emmerling of Antioch enjoy some refreshments during opening day for the Antioch Theatre Friday. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
  The Antioch Theatre officially opened Friday. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
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