Artist’s conception of renovated West Newton Cinema lobby (West Newton Cinema Foundation)
On June 25, members of the board of the West Newton Cinema (WNC) Foundation presented their major renovation plans and fundraising goals during a community event held at the Cinema. Board President Elizabeth Heilig began by sharing the impressive news that in the first six months since the WNC Foundation took over the theater last summer, theater attendance increased by 50%. A total of 51,975 patrons have visited the theater since the transfer of ownership on August 27, 2024. Heilig noted that the night’s event coincided with the one-year anniversary of the WNC Foundation reaching its Phase I goal—raising $5.6 million to purchase the theater building.
Heilig then announced the Phase II fundraising goal of $23 million: $19 million allocated for renovation and $4 million to establish an endowment for facility maintenance and programming.
The first step for developing the renovation plans was conducting a facility study. The WNC Foundation went through an RFP process to enlist architects and engineering professionals to assess the building’s condition and outline the scope and cost of restoration. The lead architect for the study was the Cambridge-based firm PCA. The effort was led by Board members Jill Bellio and Kelley Brown, both of whom have professional experience in renovation, building, and project management. The study was funded by the Newton Community Preservation Program, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and contributions from Foundation supporters.
Outlining the renovation plans, Heilig stated, “We have a lot of work to do, including a new roof, insulation, plumbing, electrical—everything needs upgrading.” She also shared illustrations of the planned interior. In the main lobby, the WNC Foundation envisions a bar and concessions area, with much of the design, and even the color palette, inspired by the theater’s original…