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 architectural plans and historic photographs. On the mezzanine (second floor), the Foundation plans to create a lounge where patrons can enjoy a drink, meet friends, and discuss the films they’ve just seen. She also presented an illustration of the future marquee that she deemed striking and in harmony with the building’s historic interior.
The goal of the renovation, Heilig explained, is to make the theater welcoming and beautiful, while also allowing its programming to expand and thrive—creating a shared space that fosters community through film.
The WNC Foundation is seeking matching-gift opportunities, and Heilig was excited to share that an anonymous donor has increased their level of support with a $50,000 matching gift. All contributions will be matched one-to-one up to that amount. She urged people to support the fundraising effort and to share the West Newton Cinema’s story with their friends, family, and co-workers.
Her presentation was followed by a Q&A session with Heilig and Board Members during which time Heilig showed the plans for an elevator, affirmed a commitment to accessibility, and spoke of outreach to neighbors to determine opportunities for shared parking. Renovations will be ongoing over the course of several years, but the theater intends to remain open, except for an occasional week or two when the lobby undergoes major work.
The event ended as it began — in the lobby, with refreshments and conversation.
