BREMERTON — Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra each visited here. Famed Northwest photographer Asahel Curtis produced the photographic mural in the lobby. The Art Deco architecture bespeaks of the elegance of that era.

And soon, the shuttered Roxy Theater will return to life as part of Sound West Group’s revitalization effort on Downtown Bremerton’s Fourth Street, an area it will rename “Quincy Square.”

Far Away Entertainment, a Bainbridge Island-based company that owns and operates nine theaters in Western Washington, recently signed a lease with Sound West Group to operate the Roxy Theater. Far Away Entertainment specializes in first-run and independent films, and is owned by former Disney marketing exec Jeff Brein. Its theaters include the historic Lynwood Theater on Bainbridge Island, Admiral Theater in West Seattle, and Varsity Theater in the University District.

The 75-year-old Roxy is being restored by Sound West Group and is expected to open at the end of the year, according to Jeremy Stitt of Sound West Group. But residents can get a look at the theater before restoration begins at 7 p.m. July 11, when it will be the venue for a Bremerton Mayoral Debate hosted by Sound West Group. The debate is free and open to the public.

The Roxy Theater originally opened on May 29, 1941. It was designed by Seattle architect Bjarne Moe and is classical Streamline Moderne, a late type of Art Deco architecture and design that emerged in the 1930s. Still in the theater is Curtis’ 35-foot photographic mural depicting the Great White Fleet of 1908 and the Bremerton Navy Yard. It was one of the largest photo murals ever produced in the Pacific Northwest at the time, according to Sound West Group.

As part of the restoration effort, the Roxy marquee and blade sign will be re-created in the spirit of the original design. Sound West Group has been working with Fernando Duarte Design, which specializes in theater and marquee restoration from the Art Deco period. The chandelier at the entrance will be returned to its foyer and a new sound, lighting and projector system will be installed.

In addition to independent and first-run films, the theater will showcase live shows put on by the local Admiral Theatre Foundation and will include opportunities for community and non-profit performances via a licensing agreement with Roxy Bremerton, a not-for-profit corporation.

The restoration of the Roxy Theater is part of Sound West Group’s effort to revitalize Fourth Street and transform a number of vacant commercial buildings into a lively core. Sound West Group principal Wes Larson remembers people forming a line around the Roxy to see the premiere of “Star Wars” in 1977 and would like to see the theater restored to its original grandeur, according to Stitt.

The group has plans for 27 new apartments in the old Sears department store and Ford dealership buildings. In addition, there will be secure covered parking, a 3,000 square-foot storefront retail space, and 161 storage units situated on the alley between Fourth and Fifth streets.

Recently, Sound West Group opened the 80-unit Spyglass Hill Apartments just up the street on Highland Avenue.

The 75-year-old Roxy is being restored by Sound West Group and is expected to open at the end of the year, according to Jeremy Stitt of Sound West Group. But residents can get a look at the theater before restoration begins at 7 p.m. July 11, when it will be the venue for a Bremerton Mayoral Debate hosted by Sound West Group. The debate is free and open to the public. (Courtesy/Sound West Group)

Still in the theater is Asahel Curtis’ 35-foot photographic mural depicting the Great White Fleet of 1908 and the Bremerton Navy Yard. It was one of the largest photo murals ever produced in the Pacific Northwest at the time, according to Sound West Group. (Courtesy/Sound West Group)