Famous Kannapolis Theater To Receive National Honor

CHARLOTTE, NC — Just 30 minutes away from Charlotte, the city of Kannapolis is celebrating a national honor on Tuesday.

The Gem Theater is the city's most revered landmark, according to Kannapolis spokesperson Annette Privette Keller, and is celebrating its 85th birthday.

Tuesday, the N.C. State Preservation Office will present the National Register of Historic Places Plaque and Recognition to the Gem Theater, a national honor.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and speakers will come before the formal unveiling of the plaque.

The theater just recently underwent $1.1 million in renovations as early this year, according to city officials. The renovations included three major projects: the addition of handicap accessible restrooms on the first floor; a new HVAC system and restoration of the historic marquee.

Kannapolis purchased the Gem Theater in 2015.

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