McGuire movie theater reopens after renovations

Published Dec. 7, 2009
By Steve Snyder
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Movies finally returned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 6 at the McGuire Theater.

A complimentary viewing of the new Disney movie, A Christmas Carol, immediately followed the ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Customers at the front of the line received complimentary gift bags, complete with candy and holiday ornaments.

The theater underwent a variety of changes throughout the course of the past year.

Work began on the then-decaying theater in November 2008. Total cost for the remodeling was $2,170,500.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service funded marquees, speakers, concession equipment, a movie screen and refurbished projectors. Jesus Martinez, AAFES General Manager, says he expects an additional $150,000 to be invested in the theater over the next few years.

The theater's exterior renovations include new walkways, ramps, underground drainage, a standing-seam metal roof and parking so spaces. Fabric walls with cherry wood wainscot bases, concession cabinets, ramps and a refinished stage will be found in the newly renovated interior.

The theater's grand re-opening occurred in conjunction with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for JB MDL's newest improved playground, "Wacky World."

The developments in base recreation contribute to a better quality of life for all JB MDL servicemembers and their families in the spirit of the Year of the Military Family.

Base theater history
The first theater in JB MDL's history was the Liberty Theater on Camp Dix.

The Liberty was constructed in July 1917 to serve the increasing number of Soldiers at Camp Dix.

"The Liberty was not built to last," said 305th Air Mobility Wing historian Gary Boyd. "It was hastily constructed from green lumber. Like many of the other buildings constructed during the time, it was broken down for lumber after the war."

The theater that currently stands on McGuire was originally constructed in 1955 as part of the permanent McGuire Air Force Base. Rather than being built from the temporary green lumber, it was constructed of cinder block and concrete - built to last decades.