In 1993, recognizing the vital part played by The Athens Theatre in downtown DeLand’s heritage, MainStreet DeLand Association spearheaded the effort of community leaders and residents to restore the theater to its original splendor. In December, 1994, with the help of a Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation Matching Grant, MainStreet purchased the Athens Theatre for the people of DeLand. The grassroots involvement with the Athens Theatre restoration which began in the early 1990’s is a direct result of public memory and community identity. Ownership was transferred July, 2004 to Sands Theater Center, Inc.
