The State Cinema in Stamford's Springdale neighborhood is set to end its decades-long run after the Labor Day weekend.

The theater started out as a vaudeville house in the 1920s, and then became a neighborhood staple for first-run movies.

The current owner, Garden Homes Management, says long-term national decline in movie attendance led to a significant loss of crowds at the theater, making the business unsustainable. Its president, Richard Freedman, called the decision to shut down the community landmark a difficult one that was avoided for as long as possible.

The company bought the theater in 1976 and invested more than $700,000 in improvements to keep the cinema viable, including construction of a second screen, conversion to digital and lobby renovations.

Still, the State Cinema maintained a classic picture house feel, which many moviegoers say they loved since it reminded them of their childhoods.