SAN ANTONIO -- The historic Old Main Post Theater at Fort Sam Houston is in the middle of a nearly $17 million renovation and expansion project.

The charming relic of the 1930s, last showcased movies back in the 1970s. It has been vacant since and in desperate need of a makeover.

"It's a painstaking process, but we are going to revive the old character of the building touching on the fresco, the interior wood trim, the ticket booth," said Randy Holman, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers. "All will be renovated to bring back its historic life."

Part of the project's goal is to bring back the theater and make room for some new occupants. As part of the BRAC-Base Realignment Program, the Army's Entertainment Division will use the facility to practice and train.

"(A) reason for the project is to house the Army's Entertainment Division, which runs the annual production of the soldier shows, as that organization moves from Virginia to Fort Sam Houston," said Holman. "This will be their new home."

The project will be carried out in two phases. The first phase involves the renovation of the building and the second phase will involve an expansion, adding 18,000 additional square feet to the building.

The new addition will allow the theater to host theatrical productions and house all the equipment that is needed.

The project is set to be complete in the fall of 2011.

"It's a very unique opportunity in this case to restore such a beautiful facility," said Holman.