Capitol Theater’s revival journey continues in downtown Burlington with new additions

BURLINGTON, Iowa (KWQC) – The historic Capitol Theater in downtown Burlington, sat silent and forgotten for decades. However, this once-forgotten gem is now reclaiming its position as a vibrant entertainment hub.

“We had to reimagine what this space could be. Beautiful space, but it couldn’t just be a theater,” said Capitol Theater executive director Tammy McCoy.

In 1937, the Capitol Theater opened its doors, marking the beginning of an era of cinematic delight in Burlington.

“Until 1977. It played the movie Carrie, and that was the last movie to be played. And, and then it was shut down for several years, then a few concerned citizens decided that this place mattered and wanted to renovate it and bring it back to life,” said McCoy.

After years of renovation, The Capitol reopened in 2012, with a focus on Entertainment, Education, and Social Connectivity.

“I see it as a place where people can come in and feel like they belong here. And that they’re going to find someone else here. Maybe that they know where maybe that they don’t know and just have an opportunity to enjoy life and to have a place that they feel is always going to be here for them,” said McCoy.

Since its reopening, The Capitol has thrived, drawing in a diverse crowd of patrons spanning all ages and interests.

“We’re attracting a very diverse crowd,” said McCoy. “They love the space. They love the variety of music that we’re providing. There’s just a little something for everyone here.”

This year, in a move to further enrich its offerings, the theater has introduced the Night Cap Listening Lounge and bar, offering jazz sessions, comedy nights, and more.

“We also do a speakeasy night, once a quarter. And we have live jazz music for that. We do drink specials. And we are open here and nightcap when we have a live performance going on the stage in the theater side. With drink specials that kind of coordinate with the theme of what music is being played,” McCoy explained.

But the transformation journey doesn’t end here. The Capitol’s second floor is undergoing a two-year renovation to create space for youth programs, college classes, a kitchen for pop-up restaurant nights, and a black box theater, which will have about 120 seats.

“Nightcap seats about 50. And our theater seats about 365. So, we have different sizes of venues available,” said McCoy

“It will also be an attraction to bring not just people visiting Burlington, but maybe somebody who wants to maybe relocate to Burlington, knowing that there’s really cool things to do here.”

However, to realize this vision, additional funds are required. Staff say they are gearing up for fundraising efforts to secure the additional one million dollars needed to complete the renovation project.

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