Designed by architect George Harwell Bond, the Plaza Theatre opened its doors in 1939 as an 1000 seat Art Deco cinema and live theatre. In the 70s the cinema operated as an X-rated adult cinema and live burlesque theatre. In 1983, George Lefont purchased and renovated the Plaza and the balcony was enclosed to create a second screen. The theatre underwent renovations again when purchased by longtime Atlanta residents Jonathan and Gayle Rej in August of 2006. The Plaza Theatre is the last cinema of its kind in Atlanta as well as the oldest continously operating cinema in the city.