A long-dormant Mount Pleasant landmark is headed for a second act.
The historic Paula Theater building — opened in 1948 as a movie theater and shuttered for decades — has been donated to nonprofit Mt. Pleasant Theatre, Inc. by a group of local business leaders, according to a news release.
The 13,000-square-foot building will be renovated into The Avett Theater, a live music venue and performing arts center in the heart of downtown Mount Pleasant.
The project aims to preserve the building’s original stage, façade and mid-century architectural character while modernizing the space for contemporary performances. Design and construction partners are expected to be announced in the coming months.
“This historic building has been at the heart of Mount Pleasant for generations,” said Dr. Allen Dobson, a longtime Mount Pleasant physician and one of the donors behind the effort. “Bringing this landmark back to life will preserve an important piece of our history, return it to active community use and provide a space for the entire region to enjoy.”
A Local Legacy in the Name
The venue’s name pays homage to one of Mount Pleasant’s most recognizable families. The Avett family has lived in the community since 1947, and siblings Scott and Seth Avett — co-founders of the Grammy-nominated Avett Brothers — rose to national prominence over the past two decades.
“On behalf of Scott, Seth, Bonnie, and the entire Avett family, it is especially meaningful to have this new theater named for our family in our hometown,” said musician Jim Avett, father of Scott and Seth. “We look forward to helping it become a premier destination for live music in the state and region.”
Both Scott and Seth have personal ties to the building: the music video for “Orion’s Belt,” from The Avett Brothers’ 2024 self-titled album, was shot inside the historic Paula Theater.
Nonprofit Ownership and Regional Impact
The Avett Theater will be owned and operated by Mt. Pleasant Theatre, Inc., a North Carolina–based 501(c)(3) organization formed to preserve and operate the theater for public benefit. Its board includes local business and community leaders, with members of the Avett family actively involved in planning and oversight.
Once complete, the roughly 634-seat venue will fill a notable gap in the region’s performing arts landscape: a mid-sized space capable of hosting nationally touring acts while remaining accessible to regional performers and local talent. In addition to concerts, the theater is expected to support educational programming and community events.
Organizers say that mix of programming — combined with renewed foot traffic downtown — could boost nearby restaurants, shops and lodging, positioning the venue as both an arts hub and an economic driver.
$3.75 Million Campaign Underway
The project’s estimated $3.75 million capital campaign has launched with a $250,000 lead gift from Uwharrie Bank.
Construction is projected to begin in summer 2026, with an opening planned for 2027.
“By investing in The Avett Theater, we’re preserving a historic landmark while driving economic development and creating a dynamic destination that benefits the entire region,” said Roger Dick, CEO of Uwharrie Bank. “We encourage others to support this effort.”
Funds raised will support renovation, preservation and early operational costs. Donations are being solicited from businesses, foundations and individuals.
For more information or to support The Avett Theater, visit avetttheater.org. Follow on Instagram and Facebook @theavetttheater for project updates.
Wow!! How exciting!!!
This is wonderful news!