Entering a New Era- Undergoing Changes

The Strand came a long way to deserve the title “The Star City”. Everybody knew when it came into new ownership that big changes were soon coming, but what nobody knew was the amount of work and preparation that needed to happen in order to bring it to where it is now.

The Theater Era

The Strand after closing & before renovations (2013).

When the old theater doors were opened for the first time in a decade, an overwhelming feeling of what could be came over everybody involved in the project. However, that feeling quickly shifted as the excitement wore and the realization of what needed to be done settled in. An entire theater filled with trash, scraps, and old equipment needed removed before the project could even start. The floors, electric, ventilation, and plumbing all needed to be taken out and replaced, and with that came additional work that nobody could have imagined.

Eventually, work progressed from renovation to installation, and this is when the vision of The Strand really started to come together. Signs got put up, parking lots got put in, the stage started to take form, the dining area was laid out, and the recording studio was set. Each day brought new challenges, new progression, and more anticipation for the people of Prestonsburg. The old sign, accompanied by the new marquee, shined bright each night reminding the city of where they were going, as well as where they came from.

Finally, The Strand was nearing ready to open and everything was set and done. Years of design, planning, and labor finally came together to create what we now know as “The Star City Strand”! The efforts put in by the Tallent & Cornett Foundation to restore core parts of Prestonsburg and Appalachian culture has been incredible, and it has paid off!

To see what’s coming next, check out the next article!