Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

Nearly 20 years after the screens went dark and doors were locked, Independence’s Englewood Theater (10917 E. Winner Rd.) has a nonprofit owner working to revitalize and reopen this venue with modern amenities while maintaining the theater’s unique character.

Friends of Englewood Theater completed the purchase in September 2025 and began ticking off boxes to obtain placement on the National Registry of Historic Places, create architectural renderings and work with contractors to replace the theater’s leaking roof.

The theater’s Gala Opening on July 7, 1949 drew thousands of residents and movie fans ready to view Colorado Territory, a black-and-white Western feature starring Joel McCrae and Virginia Mayo. This 1000 seat theater was designed by Luther Orville in the Modern Movement International Style, with professional offices on the second level. A 50-foot screen allowed for projection of Cinemascope film productions.

After the theater closed in 1978, owner Tuffy Williams operated a country music venue named KC Opry. The building’s interior plan was altered to create a larger stage, which removed 400 seats. Performers signed their names and left notes in an area backstage, which was preserved after the Opry closed in 1993. 

New owner Wade Williams II returned Englewood’s operations as a movie theatre, showing classic films and special runs in a restored venue until closing in 2007.

As part of a growing Englewood Arts District, Friends of Englewood Theater formed last year and has made huge strides. In February, placement on the National Registry was awarded, which allows an eligible 35 percent state Historic Preservation tax credits.

Plans produced by DRAW Architecture and Urban Design feature a new 300 seat plan, larger stage, updated lighting and sound systems, dressing rooms and expansion into the adjacent vacant Ben Franklin department store building.

Brent Schondelmeyer, president of the nonprofit, stated that the group sees the theater as “the Hub for various activities, multiple community purposes and needs.”

During Englewood Arts District’s Third Friday event on March 20, Friends of Englewood Theater members offered their first public tours of the venue, from the lobby to backstage to view hundreds of signatures left by KC Opry performers and discussion of plans for renovation.

Tours will be offered during each Third Friday event until interior renovations begin. No reservations are required and tours are free; the next Third Friday is scheduled for April 17, with theater tours conducted from 6 to 8:00 p.m.

For more information about the Englewood Theater renovation project visit 

www.englewoodtheater.org

Photos by Dorri Partain