November 17, 2022
The Gem Theatre, Swanee Theatre and Davis Theatre are more than just local landmarks: These historic theaters in Cabarrus County have been hubs of art, culture and entertainment for generations.
Gem Theatre
When the Gem Theatre opened on Dec. 31, 1936, the single-screen movie theater was one of the most popular spots for a night on the town.
“We hear stories all the time that the Gem [Theatre] was where someone went on a first date or took their child to see their first movie,” says general manager Steve Morris. “We’ve created a lot of memories for folks in this community.”
The Kannapolis theater is still showing movies on the big screen. In 2021, the historic theater underwent a million-dollar restoration, but the 900-seat theater retained many of its historic features, including the balcony.
“Most children have never been in a theater with a balcony,” says Morris. “The balcony seating is very popular.”
The iconic marquee still looks much as it did in 1936, complete with the signature blue paint color and neon lighting that helped make the Gem Theatre the most photographed location in Kannapolis.
The vintage charm might capture attention but it’s the hot buttered popcorn, cold sodas and first-run movies that have kept film buffs coming back for generations.
Swanee Theatre
In the 1940s, downtown Kannapolis was home to four single-screen movie theaters, including the Swanee Theatre. The marquee lit up with an ever-changing rotation of popular movies and seats were filled with moviegoers until the doors closed more than 50 years ago.
After short stints as a visitor center and workforce development center, the historic building sat vacant. In 2021, developers Ken Lingafelt and Kent Gregory purchased the Swanee Theatre and began the painstaking process of transforming it into a venue for concerts and special events as part of a comprehensive downtown revitalization project.
“The acoustics created back in 1939 make the sound quality amazing,” says Lingafelt.
Performers still take to the original stage and the venue holds just 400 guests, offering an intimate experience. Even the marquee — complete with neon lights — is aglow once again.
Davis Theatre
The 1876 courthouse in downtown Concord is a historical gem. The building merges Greek Revival, Italianate and Second Empire architectural styles, earning it a reputation as Cabarrus County’s “pre-eminent historic and architectural landmark,” according to Liz Fitzgerald, executive director for the Cabarrus Arts Council.
In 2002, the County conducted an extensive renovation project to preserve the building as a valuable historical site. The Cabarrus Arts Council moved in a few years later and turned a former courtroom on the second floor into the Davis Theatre, a 227-seat theater that stages live performances.
“It truly is the best of yesterday and today, a treasured venue fully up-fitted with modern sound and lighting equipment,” Fitzgerald says. “Audiences love the intimate space, the great acoustics and the friendly atmosphere.”
Seeing a movie, watching a live performance or attending a special event at one of these historic theaters is a chance to celebrate Cabarrus County history and honor the cultural contributions that historic preservationists and artists continue making in the community today.
Dive Into More History
To learn more about our history, check out these nine places where Cabarrus County’s history comes alive.
