CANTON − Georgia Paxos led a tour through the historic Palace Theatre and into its maze of stairwells, balconies and nooks.
Ornate architecture is everywhere − intricate crest designs on the walls, carved giraffes high above the stage and wood carvings in the mezzanine. Original furniture dates to the theater’s opening in 1926. Tapestry hanging in a stairway is too fragile from age to touch.
Paxos, executive director of the Palace Theatre, said the grandeur of the venerable venue is timeless and well preserved. But it’s also out of step with the needs of modern musicians, entertainers and events.
The stage isn’t large enough to accommodate some productions. Dressing rooms also aren’t up to snuff. Accessibility for those with disabilities is limited. Restrooms are outdated. And more concession areas are needed.
A $16 million renovation and expansion project would address those needs while positioning the theater to attract bigger and newer acts and keeping the Palace competitive with the growing number of entertainment venues in Northeast Ohio.
Most importantly, Paxos said, it will keep the theater open for decades.
“Core memories in this building is what we want,” she said. “We want every part of the community making core memories here. We’re really excited about this project and what it will mean for the next 100 years.”
The project includes adding more than 20 feet to the stage, loading docks for trucks, adding a second lobby, adding premium seating closer to the stage, new and additional restrooms and increased accessibility for those with disabilities. Dressing rooms will be modernized, and a meet-and-greet area for entertainers and their fans will be added. Parking, in the rear of the building, will be added for buses and trucks on showdays. And seating will be added to the balcony.
Those improvements now are closer to becoming reality. The Palace has raised $9.2 million of the $16.3 million needed for the project, Paxos said.
She gave an update on the project during a recent Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce event at the Palace.
“We could continue doing what we’re doing or we could be more,” Paxos said of the venue. “We wanted to be more.”
Canton Palace renovations could start in early 2026
Announced in 2023, the project involved the nonprofit theater acquiring and demolishing two buildings to the west on Sixth Street NW. Construction was delayed by about a year from the original plan to ensure funding was in place, Paxos said.
“We hope to begin renovations this coming January 2026 but will make that determination in early October 2025,” she said.
“Ideally, the project should wrap up at the tail end of the Palace’s 100th anniversary year in November 2027,” Paxos said.
Unveiling the improved theater will be a momentous occasion, she said.
“This project is meant to ensure the longevity of the Palace, so it’s going to be a great party when it’s done and when we have that grand re-opening,” Paxos said.
The rest of the funding will be raised through location donations, fundraising events and exploring opportunities through state and federal new markets tax credits and historic preservation tax credits. Naming rights are also being sold for parts of the Palace and for the theater overall.
Funding also includes local foundation support, and $700,000 in state dollars from capital budgets. Local governments have contributed roughly $290,000. The theatre is seeking a total of $2 million in federal dollars and $3 million in state funding, according to plans posted at https://cantonpalace100.com/.
“We are so thankful for this extremely supportive community that has helped us get to this point thus far and their continued support for the Palace100 Project,” Paxos said.
Donations can be made online at https://cantonpalace100.com/product/donation/. The Palace also can be reached at 330-454-8172.
What’s changing at the Palace Theatre?
The Palace Theatre will expand from 26,806 to 52,099 square feet, according to plans. Dressing rooms will increase from 13 to 17; concession/bar areas will increase from two to five; seating will grow from 1,488 to 1,500; and the lobby will expand from 2,401 square feet to 5,312 square feet.
The historic features of the building will not be impacted, Paxos said.
Accessibility enhancements total $5.5 million and represent more than one-third of the overall project, the Palace Theatre said. That work will include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms, and the addition of an elevator to make balcony seating more accessible.
During construction, the Palace will periodically close from January to August. The theater, however, will always be open September through December each year, Paxos said.
‘It is very important to keep this.’
Preserving the past and moving the venue into the future is worth the large investment, according to those who attended the chamber event.
Nelson Zutali, 26, of Canton, recalled going to movies at the Palace when he was a kid.
“I’m just happy for them to keep it going,” said Zutali, who works in landscaping. “I was thinking about in England that they have a lot of historic buildings, and sometimes in America they tear them down.”
Leeza Stalcup, 38, of Jackson Township, said she appreciates the history and architecture of the prized theater.
“My favorite part is the ceiling,” she said of the clouds and stars high above the lower-level seating.
The registered nurse has attended dance recitals at the Palace to watch her daughter for the last several years.
“I think it is very important to keep this because it’s nice to have it,” Stalcup said of the theater. “I think it is nice to have, especially in Stark County.”
She hopes a renovated theater attracts more shows and events while helping downtown businesses, including restaurants.
Cherished memories rushed back for Cindy Burrell of North Canton as she stood on the stage during the chamber event.
“The first time I was here I was 4 years old,” she said. “I came to see the movie ‘Bambi’ with my parents.”
“I think it’s very important to maintain it and keep it,” Burrell said. “It sounds like they have the money behind them.”
She’s also seen movies at the Palace with her husband in recent years. Parking is a big issue, however, Burrell noted.
Fox Witt, 23, of Hartville, has been to the Palace for movies and an anime expo.
“I think it’s 100% worth preserving and updating,” said Witt, a club pro and instructor at Hot Shots Pickleball Club in Jackson Township. “I feel like architecture today is too sleek and too plain. I love the architecture, and I can see the passion behind it. You learn from the past, you don’t forget it.”
Palace is a passion project
Updating the theater is a passion project for its caretakers and board of directors, Paxos said.
None of it would be possible if it hadn’t been for a group of residents who saved the Palace from a wrecking ball in the 1970s.
“They worked so hard to save it,” Paxos said.
The building’s history and downtown setting make it unique, she said.
“It’s an experience to come here,” Paxos said. “You’re transported to the mid-20th century. It’s all historically accurate, and it’s not your typical theater.”
Jeff Dafler, CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, said preserving and enhancing the theater is vital for downtown.
“It’s such a gem,” he said. “It’s a fantastic theater, and it’s increasingly rare in the state of Ohio or really anywhere in the country (to maintain an historic theater), and we’re blessed to have the Palace Theatre right here in Canton, Ohio, and that should motivate all of us to support their investment they’re making in order to make sure this is available for generations.”
Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and @edwardbalint
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Palace Theatre $16 million renovation project on pace to start in early 2026
Reporting by Ed Balint, Canton Repository / The Repository
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