Construction of Martin Theater began in 1939 for Martin Theater Company. The facility served as a motion picture house until the 1970's. The Martin family deeded the building to the City of Douglas in 1979. Volunteers, under the leadership of Mayor J.C. Adams, encouraged city officials to avoid demolition and work toward preserving the building. With political support, additional volunteers came forward and fund-raising efforts emerged. Even in a state of disrepair, the facility hosted numerous performing arts events that drew more support from community-based organizations. Twenty years after acquisition, community volunteerism proved successful, and a county-wide vote by local citizens provided the financial support to complete the project.