From the archives: A downtown Wilmington theater is left to the bank

Owen Hassell, Wilmington StarNews
·1 min read

Before its demolition in January, the building at 208 Market St. in downtown Wilmington had seen its share of theaters, nightclubs and live music.

By 1990, it was nearing the end of its theater stage.

Originally the Manor Theater, which survived until 1985, it was renamed Jacob's Run (named for the mysterious system of underground tunnels beneath downtown Wilmington) and repackaged for entertainment and dining. It showed foreign and independent films and hosted musicians such as Doc Watson and Wynton Marsalis.

The former Manor movie theater, most recently the Blue-Eyed Muse music venue, at 208 Market St. in downtown Wilmington. The building was torn down in early 2024.
The former Manor movie theater, most recently the Blue-Eyed Muse music venue, at 208 Market St. in downtown Wilmington. The building was torn down in early 2024.

Related coverage: Future uncertain for historic Wilmington venue after 'notice of condemnation'

In the March 31, 1990, the Wilmington Morning Star reported the "debt-ridden downtown entertainment complex" had filed for bankruptcy. Only one bidder was on hand: Carolina Savings Bank, which bought it for $175,000. The bank already had an estimated $185,000 lien on the building.

The building had been appraised for $400,000.

The building at 208 Market St. in downtown Wilmington was taken down earlier this year. Originally the Manor Theater, it was later home to music venues Ziggy's by the Sea and the Blue-Eyed Muse.
The building at 208 Market St. in downtown Wilmington was taken down earlier this year. Originally the Manor Theater, it was later home to music venues Ziggy's by the Sea and the Blue-Eyed Muse.

It later became known more for music as Ziggy's by the Sea and the Blue-Eyed Muse. By 2017, it was closed again and in 2023 ownership was served a condemnation notice. At the time, there was optimism the owner would make the many repairs needed to have it ready for a new occupant.

Instead, the building was mostly torn down by January 2024, leaving a few scraps of what stood for more than 80 years.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: A downtown Wilmington, NC theater goes bankrupt, later demolished