PENN YAN, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Penn Yan Theatre Company (PYTCO) is working to turn a historical local landmark into its new permanent home. PYTCO has owned the Sampson Theatre on Elm Street for over two decades, but the organization is ready to complete the revitalization project.

The landmark originally opened in 1910 as a vaudeville theatre. Over the years, the theatre was also used as a car dealership and tire storage facility. PYTCO bought the Sampson in 2004 for only $1, according to PYTCO President Dusty Baker.

"Penn Yan does Star Shine in the village, which is the village Christmas celebration, and we would host a light display in here for that," said Baker when asked what has taken place in the Sampson. "We've done Christmas productions but, in general, it's all about giving experience to the community to be able to do as much live performances as possible."

Baker said the theatre has only been home to a few special use permit events since a flood in 2014. He said that's when the company got the motivation to revitalize the theatre. It's a project Baker said he hopes will leave an impact on the community.

  Dusty Baker, PYTCO President

"The idea is that it will be not only a home for us, and our community theatre efforts but for the community in general," said Baker, adding "You know, host weddings, small conferences and places like that."

Money to improve the theatre has come from several places, including New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative and various community grant programs. Baker said PYTCO has been working on the building for several years, but most of the work has been done in the past ten months. He also said PYTCO's first show back at the Sampson could come as soon as 2026.

"Maybe next summer we'll have our main stage production in here, I mean, best case scenario, it would be really cool," said Baker.

Baker also explained that one of the goals of the revitalization process is to make the theatre look like it did when it opened in 1910. He added that he's thankful for the community support.

If you are interested in learning more about the Penn Yan Theatre Company and the Sampson Theatre, you can visit their website here.