In 2017, a group of dedicated Wytheville citizens set out to restore the local Millwald Theatre to its former glory. Now, the theatre serves as the region’s cultural arts and education center, with both live performances and the classic movie theatre experience.
Established in 1928, the Millwald has long served as a key architectural landmark on Wytheville’s historic Main Street. Having closed its doors for 16 years, the hope of reopening finally became reality in December of 2022.
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission provided $160,000 in funding for the project. Mark Bloomfield, former Millwald Theatre board chair, said TRRC funding was crucial to start the process.
“It was specifically granted to provide architecture and engineering services which occurred very early in the life of project,” Bloomfield said. “The grant provided an early endorsement that helped open the doors to other granting partners and donors. Being able to show designs and floor plans gave the project a sense of achievable reality.”
TRRC funds were also used for various renovation and construction costs. The new equipment and facility additions are ADA compliant and feature an additional 7,500 sq ft of space, a lounge, lobby, classrooms, additional bathrooms, and many features that enable Millwald to host live performances.
Since reopening, the Millwald has hosted more than 15,000 visitors and over 160 events. Over 2000 students have participated in programs through the theatre in partnership with the Wythe County School Board and the Wythe-Bland Foundation. The construction and renovation of the Millwald also helped create 6 new full-time jobs.
Rose Lee Jude, director of Visit Wytheville, said the Millwald has become the entertainment hub for Downtown Wytheville, attracting tourists, local citizens and new business prospects.
“Bringing this historic building back to life has allowed for it to once again be a central component in the Wytheville experience that also has great meaning to the heritage of the area,” Jude said. “As the Millwald’s calendar of events continues to grow and evolve, Visit Wytheville expects the Millwald to become a key attraction for Southwest Virginia.”
The revitalization of Millwald Theatre has boosted revenue for Wytheville and preserved the theater’s historic charm while enhancing its capacity for high-quality, local productions.
