New State Theater owner pledges preservation, upgrades and broader programming

Jason Wall, the new owner of Hutchinson’s State Theater, said he and his wife intend to preserve the historic 1937 theater while upgrading projection, sound and programming for wider community use. Wall described the theater as "truly a gem from an Art Deco perspective" and said he and his wife view themselves as stewards charged with protecting the building’s legacy into its 100th year.

Wall, who said he has a background in post‑production and film restoration, listed restoration projects including Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca, Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Love Bug that passed through his department. He said the main auditorium has a 4K projector and 7.1 Dolby Digital sound and that the team is evaluating further technologies (HDR, Atmos) while weighing how to integrate them into the historic space without damaging character.

On programming, Wall said the State will mix first‑run Hollywood releases with classic‑film screenings and special events to attract both local families and visitors from nearby cities. He described classic screenings as an education and community experience that has drawn repeat attendees and visitors from New Ulm, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities.

Wall outlined facade and amenity plans: restoring the original neon sign and marquee (keeping analog lighting rather than switching to LED), exploring a storefront or sidewalk box‑office design subject to planning review, and creating a period‑style 'ghost mural' on the building’s large rear wall. He said updates to Theaters 2 and 3 are under consideration and that the theater is planning events and fundraisers with the Hutchinson Center of the Arts for 2026.

Wall said the owners are planning for a sustainable business model so the theater can be handed off to a future operator: continuing films, adding stage performances and coordinating with downtown growth tied to the Jorgensen Hotel project.

Wall described the purchase process: he and his wife looked at theaters nationwide and completed the acquisition in August 2024 after visiting the community and meeting the previous owners. He said the theater will celebrate its 90th anniversary next year and emphasized that preservation will guide future changes.