The Louisburg Theater was once a place to meet up with friends, grab some popcorn and watch a movie.
However, Louisburg Town Council member Silke Stein said the theater’s last showing was in 2009.
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She said it’s not exactly clear when the theater was built, but records show the theater was renovated in the 1930s.
“This theater, this building means a lot to a lot of people,” Louisburg resident Beverly Kegley said.
In a statement, Franklin County manager Kim Denton said the county bought the property in 2022 for $202,112. The property is currently undergoing a structural engineering analysis to “determine the integrity of the structure and the next best steps for the property.”
The statement goes on to say, “Franklin County is evaluating the use of the site for inclusion in the future judicial complex for the county.”
WRAL asked the county spokesperson if demolition is being considered for the property. He said that’s not necessarily the case. The county is waiting for analysis results, and he said it’s not clear how long that will take.
“We have something here of value. We have something that not everybody has. We have the opportunity to save it,” Kegley said.
A Facebook group was created this month and already has more than 300 supporters. Some of those supporters plan to speak at the county commission meeting Monday night.
“We need things for the people here to do,” Stein said. “Now’s the time to try to rally together and save it.”