The Avett Theater Project Revives Historic Paula Theater in Mount Pleasant, NC
A beloved piece of Mount Pleasant's history is getting a second act. The historic Paula Theater, which opened in 1948 as one of North Carolina's most admired small-town cinemas, is being restored and reimagined as The Avett Theater—a regional hub for live performance, creativity, and community connection.
A Legacy Worth Restoring
Once a bustling anchor of downtown Main Street, the Paula Theater was far more than a movie house—it was a community centerpiece. The building included offices, storefronts, and a grill next door, making it an early version of the "dinner and a movie" experience. Locals still remember handing out flyers for upcoming films and watching Main Street glow beneath the theater's marquee.
Closed in the mid-1950s, the Paula remained a quiet reminder of Mount Pleasant's vibrant past. Now, that legacy is being revived through a historic preservation project that blends restoration with modern innovation.
From the Paula Theater to The Avett Theater
The transformation into The Avett Theater is more than a renovation—it's a visionary project designed to create a regional arts and entertainment destination serving Cabarrus, Stanly, and surrounding counties.
With flexible seating for 35 to over 600 guests, the theater will host concerts, theater productions, film screenings, comedy acts, and community events. Its size and features will complement nearby venues such as the Davis Theater in Concord and the Swanee Theater in Kannapolis, filling a vital gap in the region's cultural landscape.
Honoring the Avett Family Legacy
The project holds special significance thanks to the generosity of the Avett family, whose roots in Mount Pleasant date back to 1947. From Reverend Clegg and Martha Avett to their descendants—including Scott and Seth Avett of the internationally acclaimed band The Avett Brothers—the family's story is woven deeply into the community's fabric.
By lending their name to the theater, the Avetts have amplified its mission and visibility, connecting their musical heritage to their hometown's renewed creative spirit. The Avett Theater will serve as both a tribute to the family's legacy and a beacon for artists and cultural tourism across the region.
A Gift to the Community
The theater property at 1480 S. Main Street, valued at $600,000, was generously donated by Town Square Properties II, LLC, a group of investors dedicated to revitalizing Mount Pleasant's downtown. Their partnership with local leaders underscores a shared vision—to honor history, enhance community life, and inspire creative growth across the region.
When complete, the Avett Theater will serve as a regional arts anchor, hosting performances, conferences, and events that attract audiences from across central North Carolina.
Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.
From its beginnings as the Paula Theater in 1948 to its rebirth as The Avett Theater, this project bridges Mount Pleasant's past and future—preserving a beloved landmark while igniting a new era of creativity, community, and culture in the heart of North Carolina.
Learn more about the project and upcoming opportunities to support The Avett Theater at avetttheater.org.
