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The Ro-Na Theater in Ironton, Ohio, was fully operational from 1949 to 1973, but fell into disrepair in the 21st century, WSAZ reports.
Now, thanks to a $5.2 million grant from the state of Ohio, the Friends of Ironton will be able to complete the building's long-awaited renovation.
"It's always been a mystery to the younger generation as to what this building is," says Rick Jansen, who's been involved in restoring the theater.
"Basically everything we've done in the last 16 years are things that people never see, including the new HVAC system, the electrical, and all the utilities operated," he adds.
The Friends of Ironton took over the building in 2008, and in that time, it's held more than 100 shows and events.
Now, thanks to the state's grant, the walls and ceiling will be finished, the floor will be leveled, and lighting and sound will be upgraded.
"Now that we'll be able to upgrade the Ro-Na to bigger and better, I think we'll be able to reach even further and there will be more people that want to come and see what Ironton and Lawrence County is all about," says Lawrence County Commissioner DeAnna Holliday
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