http://journalstar.com/news/local/doc46 ... 066172.txt
McNeil had several phone conversations with Downtown Lincoln Association President Polly McMullen, but he ultimately decided he couldn?t compete in downtown with the Star Ship 9.
Then late last year came news the Star Ship was closing and would be demolished for a downtown redevelopment project.
?I figured that must have been a sign that we should do a theater (in Lincoln),? McNeil said.
A few months later, the McNeils signed a lease with the State?s owners, Speedway Properties, and moved to a condo in downtown Lincoln.
They?re renovating the theater and hope to have it open by the end of April or early May.
McNeil said getting the building in working order, repairing the signs and marquee, and installing seating and theater equipment will be the main work done before opening.
After that, he said, the couple will look for ways to continue to remodel and restore the theater to its original design.
Also, because the traditional theater stadium seating was removed by previous non-theater tenants, the McNeils will install loveseats, tables and chairs.
The nearby University of Nebraska-Lincoln helped draw McNeil and his wife to Lincoln and the State Theatre.
