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The marquee outside Lawrenceburg’s historic Walnut Theatre glows once again, signaling a resurgence underway at the long-shuttered landmark. Through the philanthropic efforts of the theater’s new owners, BSP Movements, Inc., a new roof is keeping its interior fully insulated from the elements for the first time in many years.

The Walnut Theatre stands as a community icon along the main drag for which it is named—Walnut Street—which leads directly to the heart of Lawrenceburg’s historic downtown. Constructed by the Weddle family, the Walnut opened its doors in 1925, first showing silent films, then “talkies.” The region’s infamous flood of 1937 significantly damaged the theater, taking it out of commission for nearly a year.

When the single-screen theater reopened in 1938, the façade featured a new electrified marquee crafted by The Artkraft Sign Company of Lima, Ohio. The Weddles continued operations for another half-century, before Herb and Clara Klausing purchased the venue in the 1980s. The Klausings maintained the site as a movie house until a newer nearby multiplex drew patrons away. In the summer of 2009, the Walnut was shuttered, just a year short of its 85th anniversary.

The ensuing 14 years were not kind to the structure as paint peeled and water infiltrated the interior, raining ceiling tiles and insulation onto theater seats. Determined to preserve its legacy as a historic and active community space, nonprofit BSP Movements, Inc., acquired the Walnut early in 2023, with plans to repurpose the landmark as a hub for arts, performance, and culture.

“We knew The Walnut shouldn’t be in the hands of just any developer or business venturer. For years we spoke with its owner about renewing the theater in a way that would bring life and the community back into such a beloved space,” says BSP Movements Director Natalie Noppert. “Our board strongly believes that the theater holds a special place in this community’s history and heart and had to be protected and restored for that purpose.”

To stall further damage, BSP targeted roof replacement as its first goal for repair. The group launched a “Raise the Roof!” fundraising campaign, collecting donations from the local community and regional philanthropic outlets.

A $5,000 grant from the Efroymson Family Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation helped boost efforts to raise the nearly $167,200 needed for the new roof. The group acknowledged the Efroymson family with a message of thanks on its marquee as roof work began in October 2024. With the exterior envelope secured, BSP is now focused on stabilizing the interior. Follow the theater’s progress on its Facebook page, The Walnut Theatre.