Farmington's Totah Theater is ready to host movies and special events again after a renovation that has turned the historic building into a state-of-the-art venue.

Constructed in 1949, the theater has screened movies that have served as a backdrop to memories for generation after generation. The city of Farmington, San Juan County and the state of New Mexico worked together to provide the funding for renovations such as a state-of-the-art projector, surround sound and other updates.

“We will be able to host comedians and small musical groups," Randy West, the Civic Center supervisor for Farmington, told KOB. “There are groups in the city that are looking for a 280-seat theater. A real mix of building, something that creates a new energy in the downtown nightlife and I think that is going to be a great addition here.”

Farmington is a city of about 46,000 in north central New Mexico.

The theater recently reopened to the public for a screening of two locally produced and shot movies. The renovation is an effort to not only preserve history but to be a part of the future. 

“It was getting a little tired, the building,” West said. “It is what I would describe as an asset that if you wanted to maintain its value or grow you have to water it to nourish it to bring it back.”

The venue will have amenities to host different types of events and film projects. 

“We have four production offices with high-speed internet and everything you need if you were a production company that was coming to shoot in Farmington and you needed a hub,” West said.