Coleman Theater is an old historic theater in Miami city, Oklahoma. The theater which belonged to a rich local who made a fortune out of mining was built in the late 1920s. It was later abandoned in 1968 and left to decay in the middle of a state route (US route 66) in Miami.

What is the story behind Coleman Theater?

A retired local miner George Coleman provided the finances to begin the construction of a state of the art theater in the city of Miami. Coleman who was a movie and events enthusiast wanted to build a theater so big and of European standard. Before changing his mind to build a theater, Coleman intended to build a commercial premise with micro theaters inside. After contacting the Boller Brother’s architectures (famous architectural farm) he changed his initial plans to a mega theater. Boller Brothers architectural farm together with the Rucks Bandit constructors worked together to bring the dream to life for 600,000 US dollars. The theater which had the largest television set in the world at that time was the biggest theater in the biggest theater in the west.

Abandoned theater

Though this did not contribute much to its downfall, the Masonic lodge hall that was for the VIPs was consumed by a fire shortly after the opening of the theater. The room was left vacant for years since it was the beginning of the great depression. The room was used by a local artist for years as George Coleman who was also a Masonic member provided an alternative room. The building's abandonment came later in 1968 due to financial difficulties. This happened 23 yrs after George Coleman’s death.

Restoration of the theater

The restoration of the theater started in the 1980s but not much work was ever done. Coleman’s family later donated the theater to the city of Miami. A few years later it was named a natural historic place. Currently, the restoration processes are still ongoing and are almost 90% complete. The community donated a huge sum of money and labor in terms of volunteers to restore their beloved landmark. Today the historic theater still hosts small events and shows to help raise funds to finish the renovation.

Current state and hazards at the old building

Some main sections of the theater are fully renovated and open to the general public. The biggest conference center in the whole theater is open for booking. The ballroom which was never finished during its construction is now complete. The theater remains the grandest and the most preferred site by local and international tourists. Although before reopening, supervision was conducted to ensure the safety of the building, we cannot rule out traces of asbestos fibers in the premises that are hazardous to health. Asbestos was used in the construction of old 1880s buildings. The theater is said to belong to the community and will be fully open to the general public for booking and events hosting at cheaper prices after its renovation.