WEIRTON Doug Jackson is determined to preserve Weirton, and his newest venture is the purchase of the Plaza Theater.

“I’m all about restoring everything we can in the city. There’s so little that’s still here from Weirton’s glory days, so I’m really trying to preserve whatever is left,” he said of his efforts with the movie theater located in the Shop N’ Save Plaza.

Jackson also is president of the Marland Heights Community Association, a group in the process of restoring the Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Pool, and a candidate running to represent Ward 5 on Weirton City Council. He’s working in collaboration with building and plaza owner Ed Majoris and his associates to complete major renovations at the theater, which they intend to re-open by late summer.

The single-screen theater seats about 210 customers, and Jackson said renovations will be “wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-ceiling,” costing around $250,000 just for the basics.

“There will barely be anything original left when we’re finished. It will basically be a whole new building on the interior,” Jackson remarked.

Those upgrades will include a high definition screen, a digital projector, Dolby surround sound, new interiors including carpets and bathrooms, a new concession stand, a party room that will be available for rent upstairs and stadium rocker seats with cupholders, tray stands and the ability to recline. The exterior will feature a blue and gold theme as an homage to West Virginia University.

The theater has been closed for about a month now, but it has housed many fond memories since its grand opening almost 40 years ago, Jackson said.

“This is a great theater and a wonderful business opportunity and something that I feel is good for the community. It was here when I was growing up, and I want it to be open here for our kids today. It bothers me that our children have to risk driving to Robinson or Pittsburgh for entertainment. I think these are things the community should be able to provide for them here,” Jackson said. “I want them to have the same experience that I did as a child.”

Bill Waugh, bass player for the band Verdict, came up with the idea to host live entertainment in the theater in addition to screening movies. The restoration will include the removal of three rows of seats to build a stage beneath the big screen and provide a venue for local bands, comedy shows or plays.

“Bill Waugh is going to be instrumental in bringing live entertainment back to the Ohio Valley and to Weirton,” Jackson commented.

Jackson said he has been working in conjunction with Majoris and business associates on bringing another business into the Shop N’ Save Plaza soon, but he said that deal is not mature enough to elaborate further.

Jackson owns several other businesses, including two anesthesia companies and a property management company. He is also co-owner of Signature Salon and Oscar’s Salon, both located in Wintersville.

(Dalrymple can be contacted at sdalrymple@heraldstaronline.com)