By 1808Delaware
A familiar corner of downtown Delaware is about to glow a little brighter.
After months of anticipation, the Strand Theatre is ready to unveil its newly restored and modernized marquee, a project that blends the theatre’s 109-year history with its plans for the future. Installation begins this week, with a full week of on-site work leading up to the public lighting on Friday, January 9 at 5:00 PM.
How the Transformation Will Unfold
Wagner Sign, the company restoring the marquee, expects to be on site each day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, taking only a short midday break. Their arrival around noon on Monday marks the start of the hands-on phase. The temporary banner will come down first, followed by inspection of the existing hardware and prep work for the new blade sign. Crews will drill the anchor holes and epoxy threaded anchors into the wall. If time allows, the first section of the marquee may even go up before the end of the day.
Tuesday is the big lift. All marquee sections are scheduled for installation, and electricians will begin wiring for the power hookup. By Wednesday, the blade sign goes into place and the wiring continues, leading to the first test lighting. Thursday brings the detailed work: installing the ceiling and the filler pieces that tie everything together. Friday is reserved for touch-ups and any final adjustments. It’s a tight schedule, but one designed to ensure the marquee is installed with both precision and respect for the building’s historic façade.
A New Chapter for a Century-Old Landmark
The marquee project reflects a simple truth about the Strand: preservation and progress can move together. The theatre’s leadership framed the work not as a renovation for its own sake, but as a way to honor what the Strand has meant to Delaware while ensuring it continues to matter for decades ahead.
That spirit came through in the sold-out run of retired marquee bulbs and handmade ornaments, which gave supporters a chance to carry home a small piece of the theatre’s past while helping fund its future.
Managing director Tracey Peyton put it this way: a marquee is more than a row of lights. It’s a welcome sign for shared experiences and a symbol of a lively downtown. Board Chair David Hejmanowski noted that the project fits the Strand’s mission to preserve what’s historic, enhance what serves today’s audiences, and keep the theatre thriving for the next hundred years.
A Community Effort
Support for the marquee campaign came from across the county. Major contributors included the Delaware County Commissioners Community Enhancement Grant, First Commonwealth Bank, The Delaware County Finance Authority, and the Delaware County Foundation’s Ronald Sabatino Family Fund. Their involvement underscores the Strand’s role not just as an entertainment venue, but as a cultural anchor.
A Moment Worth Gathering For
The January 9 lighting ceremony will feature brief remarks, a countdown, and plenty of chances for photos once the new sign flickers to life. It’s free, open to everyone, and expected to draw families, longtime patrons, and neighbors who want to mark a moment that will shine for years.
From its sensory-friendly initiatives to awards various entities, the Strand has earned a reputation as more than a movie house. It’s a community institution rooted in service, innovation, and continuity.
And when the new marquee lights switch on for the first time, they’ll signal not just a restoration completed, but a future taking shape on Winter Street.
