Page 12 - Douglas Coffee NCG 2023

Art Deco

Alive

The Martin Centre experience

revitalizes downtown Douglas
by Lydia Cobb

T he flashy building on Ashley Street in Douglas that not one person requested a refund – because the
was designed to make you smile. The Martin
show would eventually be rescheduled – but that says
Centre is a restored Art Deco 1940s movie
everything about the tremendous community spirit behind
theater that today hosts live performances and
special event rentals. The community leaders The Martin Centre’s revival.
Seeing a performance here, Norris said, is an intimate
behind the latest renovation in the historic building’s experience. “Any type of show, live music, or whatever
chapter are two families: Brian and Allison Norris, and it may be – there’s not a bad seat in the house.” With
Robb and Lorna Hurst. national touring bands stopping in Douglas, the theater
“We took over ownership in the fall of 2019,” said is attracting people from Jacksonville and Tallahassee,
Brian Norris, third generation partner in his family’s retail Savannah, and Macon.
business. “The challenging part was that meant we “We see new faces walking around downtown,
owned it for three to four months before COVID hit. We shopping at our shops, eating dinner. Our hotels have
had sold out two shows … we didn’t get to hold those been full with shows. It has definitely created tourism,”
shows for 15 months.” added Norris.
Brian Norris and Robb Hurst are both business owners
and longtime Douglas residents. “The Martin Centre is the Norris and Hurst created the nonprofit organization,
The Martin Centre Preservation Company, with the goal
centerpiece of our downtown,” said Norris. “We both have
a passion for live music. That is something we share, and to create access and excitement for the arts in the
when this was put up for bid, we got together to save it.” Coffee County community while preserving the historic
“I’ve always been active in civic stuff here locally,” Martin Centre.
shared Robb Hurst, second generation partner in his Last summer the front-of-house lights, stage lighting,
family’s CPA firm. “I felt like shutting that theater again stage curtains, and sound system were replaced among
was like ripping the heart out of downtown Douglas. It’s primary capital improvements they’re making to continue
so important to maintain.” the Martin Centre’s restoration.
Norris described it as a passion project. “It contributes Approximately half the business is supported by venue
to Douglas and keeps Downtown vibrant – something rentals for dance recitals, church services, a recent MMA
we’re proud to be part of.” event, wedding receptions, memorials, and high school
Norris and Hurst offered refunds to those who had graduations. The Martin Centre features seating for 750,
bought tickets to the two shows that had to be canceled three dressing rooms, and a concession and coffee bar
at the start of the pandemic. The owners are amazed that is available for events.

8 Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce | 912-384-1873 | douglasga.org