The Ro-Na Cultural Center in Ironton, Ohio, opened in 1949 as a movie theater, but closed in 1973.
The building sat vacant until it was donated to the city in 2008 to be restored.
It reopened to the public in 2017 after years of restoration efforts.
Now, Gov.
Mike DeWine has awarded the city a $5.2 million grant for renovations that will include improvements to the building's HVAC and lighting systems, balcony, upstairs space, and outdoor facade, reportsWOWK.
Ironton Mayor Sam Cramblet says the renovations will be exciting for the city, which plans to add a new sea wall, a restaurant, an extended trail, a playground, and recreational parks.
"What it will do for our downtown, riverfront, entertainment, is going to be great," Cramblet says.
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