Home Building adjacent to Dixie Theater sold to fund cultural center in downtown Staunton
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Building adjacent to Dixie Theater sold to fund cultural center in downtown Staunton

arcadia project logo Arcadia Project has sold a building adjacent to the former Dixie Theater in downtown Staunton to help fund a new cultural center to include a movie theater, event space, café and two classrooms.

The 119 E. Beverley Street building was sold to Miller & Associates, a development services provider specializing in the adaptive reuse of historic structures, who plans to develop the property into 23 rental apartments with commercial space on the ground level.

“These historic buildings are vital, and breathing new life into them is essential,” said Robin Miller of Miller & Associates. “I have believed in the vision of the Arcadia Project since its inception and am excited that this joint effort will catalyze development in downtown Staunton.”

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development offered a $1.5 million grant to the nonprofit organization from its Industrial Revitalization Fund but required a 1:1 matching grant. The proceeds from the building sale will be used toward that match and secure funding to move forward with the cultural center.

“This is a win-win,” said Pamela Mason Wagner, executive director of Arcadia Project. “The renovation of both historic buildings at the east end of Beverley Street is significant to the economic vitality of downtown Staunton. We are thrilled that Miller & Associates will be offering much-needed housing options while the Arcadia Project simultaneously develops the adjacent space for community activities.”

For more information, visit https://thearcadiaproject.org

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.