Every year, the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation awards the preservation efforts of local groups across the state that work tirelessly to maintain our beautiful heritage buildings. In 2025, the 7th Street Theatre Association in Hoquiam was awarded the Valeri Sivinski Award for Outstanding Rehabilitation on the beloved theater.
“The 7th Street Theatre Association is recognized for their grass-roots rehabilitation of this historic Hoquiam movie palace,” Dr. Allyson Brooks, Washington State Historic preservation officer, shared in a press release. “Over the course of forty years, a small group of dedicated volunteers raised and invested approximately four million dollars to restore the crown jewel of Grays Harbor.”
The 7th Street Theatre Association
Since 1986, the 7th Street Theatre Association has owned and operated the historic movie theater in Hoquiam. “It was purchased in 1986 by a Hoquiam gentleman, Ed Bowers, who donated the building to the Grays Harbor Community Concert Association,” shares Mickey Thurman, 7th Street Theatre Association board vice president. As time went on, taking care of the theater became the main focus of the group, rather than concerts, and so the name was changed to reflect that shift.
Built in 1928, the theater was already in very poor condition when the Association took it over, Mickey explains. “There had been discussions at that time by the city to demolish the building,” he adds. “The 7th Street was the only remaining theater in Hoquiam, and inklings of its original grandeur could still be seen. It was one of the only remaining atmospheric theaters on the West Coast, and one of the group’s first projects, in 1987, was to complete a detailed application to have the theater placed on the National Register of Historic Places.”
An atmospheric movie theater was a design style popular in America in the 1910s and 1920s, where the interior was created to look like an exotic outdoor destination. Often, they looked like Mediterranean or Spanish courtyards. Their ceilings were painted to resemble the sky, with clouds and/or starlight.
40 Years of Restoration on the 7th Street Theatre
You may be wondering why the 7th Street Theatre is still being renovated after 40 years. “Money, time and foundation requirements,” Ray Kahler, board president, sums up. “We have had to take the restoration process one step at a time, tackling the most urgent maintenance and safety projects first, and then continuing on to the next. To date, close to $4 million has been raised and spent on restoration projects.”
They continue to say one of the most expensive projects was the stage rigging, costing a total of $700,000. They receive funding through Washington state and private foundations, which they say can come with its own set of challenges. “Many foundations only accept applications during certain times of the year and have different timelines,” explains Ray. “Some require a certain percentage of the project funding to be in place before allowing an application to be submitted. There are a limited number of foundations that will fund capital improvement projects in the Grays Harbor area.”
But none of the hurdles have stopped the 7th Street Theatre Association from continuing its work, which is clearly a labor of love and dedication.
“Our board and volunteers are extremely proud of the fact that our rehabilitation has followed historic guidelines, keeping the original aesthetic value of the theatre,” shares Mickey. “Two of the most memorable and noticeable accomplishments are the ceiling restoration (there used to be plywood attached to the ceiling to keep the plaster from falling on the audience) and the exterior, which was just completed, and which is the reason for the award.”
In addition to restoration costs, they have regular maintenance costs as well. The building includes five tenant spaces, and they often have expenses such as plumbing, HVAC maintenance, electric repairs, etc.
Future restoration plans include the bathrooms and main lobby area. They also would like to upgrade to a digital projector, which will cost approximately $100,000.
Supporting the 7th Street Theatre
Since 2004, the 7th Street Theatre has been showing classic films. It’s an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the theatre and for movie sponsors to support its upkeep and restoration. Attending a movie at the 7th Street Theatre is an enjoyable way to help support their efforts! “We try to keep ticket prices affordable for families and rental rates affordable for community groups, but it is a difficult balance when faced with the maintenance and operating costs,” shares Mickey.
“The community has helped support us every year by sponsoring our films, many of the sponsors sponsoring all of the films throughout the year,” adds Ray. “The income from the sponsorships and concessions sales have helped tremendously with operating costs.”
Volunteers are always welcome, and you can fill out the volunteer form on the 7th Street Theatre website. “Our fantastic group of movie committee volunteers have provided constant support,” says Ray. Donations for future projects can be sent to PO Box 777, Hoquiam WA 98550, or on the 7th Street Theatre website.
“Being able to preserve this historic landmark for future generations and present this beautiful historic theatre to the public benefits the entre Grays Harbor community,” shares Ray. “The ongoing support and cheers from the community is priceless.”
