Marquee Attraction

A Texas theater becomes a handsome home.

Filed under: Home Types

From the exterior, this art-deco theater in Morganton, N.C., looks like it’s still welcoming film fans for matinees. But the second floor of the former Mimosa Theater is home for businessman Brad Norvell and his 5-year-old daughter.

When Norvell decided to convert the movie theater into a home, he knew he’d have plenty of space to work with. But he didn’t consider how dark the building would be. Architect Gray Stout's renovations included knocking down walls and installing skylights. The result is very much like an urban loft.

Norvell decorated with a combination of contemporary pieces to complement the loft style and a few antiques. High ceilings, exposed brick and skylights lend an openess to the formerly dark space. A rooftop deck takes advantage of the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downstairs the marquee remains, but the former lobby is now a pizza parlor.