STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — A new chapter has begun for the historic Dixie Theater in downtown Staunton.

On Wednesday, crowds gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Arcadia Project on East Beverley Street, a renovation initiative that will transform the former Dixie Theater into a sustainable, adaptive mixed-use facility featuring a cinema; an event space to host conferences, events, and performing arts; digital media classrooms; and a small specialty food café. 

The theater has been one of the city’s anchors since it was built in 1913, and officials say the new renovation is meant to ensure the building stays that way for years to come.

Phase one of the project is targeted for completion in December.