Designed by architect George Harwell Bond, the Plaza Theatre opened its doors in 1939 as a 1000 seat art deco cinema and live theatre. In the 70's the cinema operated as an X-rated adult cinema and live burlesque theatre until 1983 when it was purchased by George Lefont. Mr. Lefont 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 it's kind in Atlanta as well as the oldest continuously operating cinema in the city.