There may be one theater opening in downtown Auburn.

But not the one you may have thought.

The announcement this week that Carey Eidel and his wife, Angela Daddabbo, have purchased the former Paul's Pocket Billiards building on Genesee Street is welcome news for a district in need of some good news.

The couple, who own and operate the Daddabbo's Pizza downtown, are hoping to close on the building within two months. Even more exciting for downtown - other than one less For Lease sign littering the windows of Genesee Street - is that the couple plans to turn the building into the home for Auburn Public Theater. It would accommodate 75 to 100 patrons and serve as a venue for theater, art and film.

Whether you support the arts in Cayuga County or not, this is a significant development. Not only is a vacant business being bought, but it will be transformed into a cultural centerpiece for downtown, a facility which may have the potential to help draw people downtown, not only during normal business hours, but after-hours when often the only signs of life seem to exist around Spirits Tavern and Parkers Grille & Tap House.

It was hoped that the remodeling of State Street would result in more new businesses relocating on what is a beautiful stretch of road connecting the Loop with Genesee Street. But so far, no new tenants have moved in.

And we continue to believe the effort to restore the Schine Theater downtown is lethargic, and could be moving along more quickly with singular dedication and focused, concerted effort.

And that is what makes this announcement particularly exciting. Those who love the arts no longer have to endure what has seemed like an eternal waiting game associated with the Schine Theater renovation.

And for all the businesses on or near Genesee Street, this new arrival could bring with it the promise of more entertainment and life in downtown Auburn.