It's been a part of the Elkhart community for more than 80 years, and soon, the Lerner Theater will be able to offer art to the community once again.

Decades ago, it was one of the main attractions of this community. Today, 1920's architect Harry Lerner's dream is coming back to life.

“Harry Lerner's name is in stone on top of that building. If you look up high, it's still up there. He knew the value of cultural exchange and entertainment and relaxation, so he bought the theater and it did just that. It was a vaudeville stage,” says Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore

“It's been a fun project. We started construction about a year ago. We're probably going to be done in the early spring,” says Jack Cittadine, who has been working on the Lerner Theater.

Harry Lerner built the Lerner Theater in Elkhart in 1924. Since then it's seen many different faces.

“It was purchased by Warner Bros., the movie company, and they own a lot of theaters throughout the country. But they converted it to a movie theater and actually that was their business. Over time, there's been a couple of other owners. Then finally Bill Miller, a local theater man, purchased the theater. After Bill's passing the city purchased it from Bill's wife,” says Mayor Moore.

Over the years, many in the community have collected fond memories of the Lerner.
Even Mayor Moore had one to share about performing a part in Fiddler on the Roof at the Lerner.

“One of the little girls asked me, ‘Mayor are you nervous?’ and I said yes and she said, ‘I am too!’ so I wasn't alone,” says Moore.

After years of changing hands, the building is being returned to its original state.

“It was really determined not only for sentimental reasons but for the fact that cost wise it was the best thing to do to restore it,” says Cittadine.

With carefully hand molded decorations, some gold leaf paint, and of course a little elbow grease, you’ll think you're stepping back in time at the Lerner Theater. The city is even adding on an entire new building next to the original.

“On the upper floor, there will be a ballroom that will seat 500 people for dinner and can be divided into three separate sections,” says Moore.

While the original building's historic beauty will be preserved and cherished, new opportunities and experiences still await the theater.

“We're very, very excited about getting all of this done. And maybe I'll sing on that stage once again,” says Mayor Moore.

Once it's finished, the theater will also have a movie theater sized high definition screen to broadcast local sporting events and other activities.

It will also be home to local performing groups and work to bring in shows from around the country.