Community leaders unite behind ambitious multi-million dollar project to restore 1949 architectural gem
ASHTABULA — After decades of dormancy, downtown Ashtabula’s historic Shea’s Theater is experiencing a renaissance under new leadership that combines private investment with non-profit determination to restore the venue to its former glory.
John Ellis, who purchased the property at 4632 Main Avenue in July 2023 for $265,000 through his Pinnacle Properties LLC, has transformed his initial business venture into a community-focused mission by establishing a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the theater’s restoration.
Watch walkthrough video showing the current renovation project here.
State Grant Provides Critical Foundation
The project received a significant boost with a $500,000 state grant that Ellis plans to use for essential infrastructure improvements including heating and roofing systems. He hopes to complete this foundational work by December 2025, setting the stage for the more extensive restoration phases to follow.
“Right now, we are cleaning out all the debris,” Ellis explained during a recent community presentation. “When we are finished with the project, it will be a theater and a community space.”
Expert Guidance Shapes Ambitious Vision
Ellis has partnered with Michael Hurwitz, a nationally recognized theater restoration consultant with 25 years of experience in historic venue preservation. Hurwitz, who authored “Ohio’s Historic Opera Houses,” has been studying Shea’s Theater for 15 years and believes the structure is “viable and technically worth the effort of saving.”
The restoration expert presented the project’s scope to more than 25 community and business leaders at a March 2025 meeting sponsored by the Ashtabula Downtown Development Association and the Ashtabula Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Projects to save theaters take a long time, large amounts of money and focus,” Hurwitz told attendees, estimating the full restoration will require three to four years and cost between $3 million to $4 million.
Phased Approach Ensures Steady Progress
The renovation follows a strategic three-phase approach:
Phase 1: Second-floor office space development to attract businesses and generate revenue Phase 2: Renovation of the first-floor area formerly occupied by the Ashtabula Senior Center until 2014 Phase 3: Complete restoration of the 1,530-seat theater auditorium
Architectural Significance
Built in 1949 in the distinctive Streamline Moderne style, Shea’s Theater represents one of the last examples of this architectural movement. The venue cost $1 million to construct and quickly became the focal point of downtown Ashtabula during the city’s peak population years of the 1950s.
The theater’s history spans multiple eras. The front portion of the building dates to 1927, with the main auditorium completed in 1949. During Ashtabula’s heyday as a major Great Lakes port city, the theater drew visitors from Pennsylvania and neighboring states who combined dinner downtown with entertainment at Shea’s.
Community Partnership Essential
City Manager Jim Timonere expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It is nice to see action on the property. I hope the community will get behind this project and support all our businesses along Main Avenue. Great things are happening.”
Ellis emphasized his commitment to community input, particularly for the building’s front section. “I understand the importance of Shea’s,” he said. “That front spot is going to be Ashtabula’s, it’s going to be Main Avenue’s, and I really think it’s going to transform Main Avenue.”
Short-term plans include creating a coffee shop in the foyer area, utilizing the building’s existing kitchen facilities that are included in the renovation budget.
Diverse Revenue Potential
The restored theater will serve multiple functions beyond traditional performances. Ellis envisions the space hosting concerts, wedding receptions, convention events, and movie screenings. Hurwitz suggested potential fundraising events such as “Cabaret and Cabernet at the Shea” that could begin generating community support and revenue even before full completion.
Downtown Revitalization Context
The Shea’s Theater project comes as Ashtabula’s harbor area experiences renewed interest with new businesses and summer events attracting visitors. While the city’s population hasn’t returned to its 1950s peak of nearly 25,000 residents, downtown development efforts are showing signs of progress.
The theater’s restoration takes on added significance given that Ashtabula County recently lost its last remaining movie theater when AMC Classic Ashtabula 6 permanently closed, leaving residents without local cinema options.
Looking Ahead
Ellis plans to submit additional grant applications to support the restoration while building community partnerships essential for long-term success. The non-profit structure provides access to funding opportunities unavailable to for-profit developers while ensuring the theater’s future serves community interests.
As Hurwitz noted, “The nonprofit designation is the best way to make projects like the theater happen. There is going to have to be a group of people that sits down with John.”
For Ashtabula residents who remember when downtown bustled with activity and Shea’s marquee lit up Main Avenue, the restoration represents more than building preservation—it’s a symbol of the community’s determination to honor its past while building toward a vibrant future.
The Shea’s Theater restoration project continues accepting community input and support. Those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or the project’s progress can contact local organizers through the Ashtabula Area Chamber of Commerce.
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