RENOVATION

The renovation of the 1930 Markay Theatre on Jackson’s Main Street has been a long and dedicated effort by the Southern Hills Arts Council. With $1.2 million already invested and another $300,000 needed, the Council has impressively incurred no debt in its step-by-step approach.

The journey began in 1996 when then-Mayor Tom Evans proposed saving the deteriorating building. The City leased the Markay to the Council for $1 per year, tasking them with its renovation, maintenance, and programming. Rather than fully restoring any specific era, the Council aimed to merge elements from its 1930 and 1940 designs.

Support from John Carey, government grants, foundations, and community contributions helped fund the project. Stabilization efforts included a new roof, electrical system, heating, and cooling. By 1997, part of the building opened as the Markay Cultural Arts Center, featuring a gallery, meeting room, and event space.

The Auditorium’s restoration required extensive debris removal, infrastructure upgrades, and meticulous preservation efforts, particularly for the six life-sized bas-relief sculptures depicting Jackson County life. After expert restoration, they were reinstalled in 2012.

Further upgrades included a polished concrete floor, acoustical enhancements, stage expansion, black velour curtains, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The original octagonal chandeliers were also painstakingly restored, bringing back their Art Deco brilliance.