The Port Orchard Historic Theatre Foundation marked a milestone in its restoration efforts with a celebration Feb. 15 at the Polaris Theater.

The event, held at the theater’s newly completed box office and street-side improvements, brought together over 40 supporters, board members and community leaders.

The restoration of the 101-year-old theater was made possible through a $50,000 grant from Lowe’s Hometowns, a program that awarded $100 million in grants to 100 communities across the U.S. in 2024. The Polaris Theater was one of only two recipients in the state and the only cultural and arts project nationally to receive the funding.

Joshua Johnson, board president of the foundation, said in addition to the grant, Lowe’s provided discounted materials and countless hours of volunteer labor from its associates.

Ron Gascoyne, general manager of the Port Orchard Lowe’s, said, “I’ve been part of this community for decades, raised my family here, and am so proud…to help restore this historic site.”

The Polaris Theater, which has served the community under various names — including the D&R Theatre, Plaza Twin Cinema and Dragonfly Cinema—holds the distinction of being the oldest theater on the Kitsap Peninsula and the only Depression-era building on Port Orchard’s waterfront to retain its original purpose.

The foundation’s long-term goal is to restore the theater into a multi-use venue offering film, live theater, musical performances and community events. The exterior restoration is a key step in this vision, which will soon expand to replace the theater’s HVAC system, roof and address fire safety needs.

“This project is more than just reopening a movie theater. It’s about the revitalization of our historic downtown and creating a cultural space for our community,” said Coreen Haydock, a Polaris Theatre board member and local small-business owner. “Our goal is for this theater to continue being a place for generations to gather and make memories.”

For more go to www.polaristheater.com.