The restoration work on the Interstate Plaza Theatre in El Paso , Texas has begun. The producers shot construction progress on August 4 th, and found tremendous changes in the theatre. The old stagehouse had been removed and work was underway to start the foundation for the new, enlarged stage that will accommodate full Broadway shows and feature the latest in lighting and sound technology.

At the same time, the contractors had carefully removed the seats, carpeting, drapes, curtains, and lighting fixtures, as well as covered the atmospheric details in anticipation of a full restoration of this magnificent movie palace. Completion date is slated for October of 2005.

The producers also began searching for archival video clips about the Plaza and conducted interviews with former El Paso city planner Nestor Valencia , El Paso Times reporter Bernadette Self, and El Paso resident and frequent Plaza Theatre attendee, Salvador Rodriguez.

Explore the gallery of photos documenting this trip.

Plans are underway to return to El Paso in September to continue documenting Plaza restoration work and to secure an interview with the donor whose gift saved the theatre from the wrecking ball in 1987.