UTICA, N.Y. — It's been years since a movie has played in Utica's Uptown Theatre, but new owners have big plans to restore it to its former glory.

The theatre was built in 1926, and was a hub for entertainment, silent films and theatre. 

Several people have tried to restore the building since it closed, but the project became too overwhelming.

The theatre's new owners say they will need the public's help to make this restoration a success.

"People are constantly asking, ‘how can they be involved? What can they do to help? What are we going to be doing next?’ So I know that people really care about this and they're really invested and we are glad that we have the support because we never intended to do this alone. We wanted this to be a community project, we're just here to help get the ball rolling," said Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts Co-Founder Briana Mahoney.

The public is invited to attend an Open House at the Uptown Theatre on July 14. For a $50 donation, guests will have a chance to check out the 1,500-seat theatre.