Reviving Juneau's Grand Theater

It's March 31st.

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A crew in Juno is breathing new life into an 86-year-old movie theater downtown.

The old gross 20th-century spot built back in 1940.

James McSweeney and his wife scooped it up through their company, Broko Holdings, with

a $1.1 million loan from the city's affordable.

Housing fun to turn upper floors into homes while reviving the cinema downstairs as a

horror grand.

They're digging through decades of dusty relics like old seats, ticket rolls, and that classic

art deco proscenium arch hanging from the ceiling, planning to re-gild it and rebuild

the stage for live shows.

Folks in town are buzzing with memories from first dates and family flicks, and McSweeney

wants to keep that vibe alive, hosting local docks, student, films, and community plays

to make it a true gathering spot for all ages.

His wife, Amelia Sweeney, is on board restoring both the main floor stage from the 40s through

the 70s era and adding one upstairs in the old.

Balcony Auditorium, blending Hollywood Regency style, with hidden gems like the long-barried

chandelier and a fresh outdoor marquee.

Opening hits late May, and with videographers like ex-Otastine Conor Meyer capturing the

glow-up, this spot's set to spark creativity for Junos.

Youth, and keep the community's heartbeat pumping strong.