The restoration of the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville is approaching another important milestone, with Chattooga County scheduled to open construction bids tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27.

The project has generated considerable public interest, particularly among residents who have seen improvements to the theater’s Commerce Street exterior and wondered why additional renovation funding is needed.

However, the exterior restoration represents only part of a much larger effort to return the historic building to public use. Much of the work necessary to transform the former movie theater into a functioning entertainment and community venue remains inside the building.

A Look Back At The Tooga’s History

The Tooga Theatre opened in 1947, replacing the Royal Theater, which had operated near the intersection of Commerce Street and Georgia Avenue since 1927.

Built by two businessmen from Ellijay, the Tooga became a popular destination for movies and entertainment in downtown Summerville. Over the decades, the building served several purposes, including a movie theater, auditorium and community performance venue.

During its ownership by the Chattooga County Shrine Club, the building was known as the Dandee Denson Auditorium, named in memory of Dandee Denson, the son of local Shriner Pete Denson.

In 2015, under former Sole Commissioner Jason Winters, Chattooga County acquired the theater from the Shrine Club for $125,000, beginning a new chapter in the building’s history.

The theater continued to host some community activities following the county’s acquisition, including Chattooga Curtain Call’s production of The Lion King Jr. in 2019.

Restoration Efforts Begin

Restoring the aging theater has been a project spanning multiple county administrations.

Early improvements included work on the building’s exterior, particularly the Commerce Street facade and marquee. Those improvements helped restore the theater’s appearance and preserve an important part of downtown Summerville’s historic streetscape.

In 2021, then-Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry discussed additional improvements needed to make the building watertight and eventually suitable for public use.

At the time, Elsberry estimated that making the theater usable could cost between $500,000 and $700,000, while a more complete restoration could exceed $1 million.

Those were preliminary estimates made several years ago, before the current construction plans and bidding process.

The theater has also received preservation assistance through the Fox Theatre’s grant programs, including awards of $39,275 during fiscal year 2021–2022 and $20,000 during fiscal year 2024–2025.

While the improvements visible from Commerce Street have given the building a renewed appearance, the restoration of the exterior did not complete the overall project.

Major Interior Renovations Still Needed

The next stage of restoration is considerably more extensive than the exterior improvements already completed.

The county’s current construction plans call for demolition and interior renovations, improvements to the rear portion of the building, work on the ticket booth and front entrance, and installation of audio-visual and information technology equipment.

The project also includes furnishings, fixtures, accessories and other work required under the construction plans.

These improvements are intended to move the theater toward becoming a usable public facility rather than simply a restored historic building.

The project has received $1 million in funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission, with the current Phase One project budget estimated at approximately $1.372 million.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is serving as the administering state agency for the federal grant.

Although the current construction contract is designated Phase One, it is important to distinguish that designation from the earlier restoration efforts. The county has already completed improvements to the building, while the current phase represents a separate, more extensive construction project.

Plans For A Community Entertainment Venue

Once restored, the Tooga Theatre is intended to serve as a multipurpose entertainment and community facility.

Plans call for the building to accommodate live theatrical productions, concerts, movies, business meetings, conferences, weddings, receptions and other public and private gatherings.

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is expected to manage the theater’s operations and marketing, with an advisory board supporting programming and activities.

County officials and project supporters envision the restored theater as an attraction that could bring additional visitors to downtown Summerville while providing local residents with a venue for entertainment and community events.

The restoration is also intended to support downtown revitalization and economic development by creating additional opportunities for businesses and organizations to host events in Chattooga County.

Construction Bids To Be Opened Tuesday

The county originally sought bids for the renovation project earlier this year but reopened the bidding process in September after interested contractors requested additional time to evaluate the building and prepare proposals.

The latest deadline for contractors to submit bids was Friday, October 23.

The bids are scheduled to be publicly opened and read aloud tomorrow at 10 AM at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office on Commerce Street in Summerville.

The opening will provide county officials with proposed construction costs for the planned renovations. The county will then have an opportunity to evaluate the proposals before determining how to proceed.

There is not yet an established timeline for completion of the restoration or reopening of the theater.

For now, Tuesday’s bid opening represents another step in a restoration effort that has continued for more than a decade, with the ultimate goal of returning one of downtown Summerville’s historic landmarks to active community use.