March 28, 2016 – Phoenixville, PA – – – The historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville is undergoing the biggest change the theatre has seen since it was originally constructed in 1903 before the advent of talking pictures. On Tuesday, April 5th in a public groundbreaking ceremony on Bridge Street, the iconic ‘Home of the Blob’ will announce an $8 million building expansion campaign.
The project, which is expected to triple the Colonial Theatre’s patronage within three years of completion, is an adaptive re-use of another historic landmark: the ca. 1925 Bank of Phoenixville building. Lancaster-area firm CH&E Construction and Carnevale Eustis Architects have developed a design that will re-use the 11,000 square foot space to create two smaller theatres, a spacious lobby, and expanded patron amenities. When finished the Colonial and Bank Building will connect through the current theatre lobby.
Built in 1925, the Bank Building previously housed the Journal Register newspaper. It was purchased in 2011 by the Colonial Theatre’s board of directors for the adaptive re-use for just $700,000. The façade was restored through a Redevelopment Capital Assistance Project grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Additional original detail inside the building including its massive skylight, marble wainscoting, and metal work will be retained.
“While the Colonial Theatre has been very successful at attracting patrons and supporters over the years our programming variety is limited with a single-screen and turn-of-the-century lobby,” emphasizes Mary Foote, Executive Director. “This project will enable us to screen first run films, significantly expand our film programming, book more live performers and offer our patrons additional amenities like wine and beer.”
Foote led the group that helped save and re-open the theatre in 1997. That action is widely credited as having played a central role in the Borough of Phoenixville’s resurgence after Phoenixville Steel’s closure. As advocacy groups like Americans for the Arts underscore, community arts and cultural venues like the Colonial draw visitors who spend dollars at local businesses.
“Theatres like ours are unique assets to communities where they still exist – and many old movie houses didn’t survive demolition,” Foote notes. “That’s why having this cultural resource is really special. It improves quality of life for patrons of all ages and maintains our connection to our past.”
For the past several years, the Colonial Theatre has been quietly fundraising with the help of a volunteer Campaign Team co-chaired by Board President Ken Mumma, and members Marian Moskowitz and Mary Louise Sterge. Performers Kevin Bacon and Michael Bacon are joining the public campaign as its honorary co-chairs.
“We have raised nearly $5 million in gifts from a number of generous donors and are so grateful for this support,” Mumma notes. “Nonprofit theatres like ours attract people and spending to local economies – so contributions to the project have a net effect beyond our screen and our stage.”
The Colonial Theatre invites businesses and individuals to donate during the public phase of its capital campaign, which will secure the remaining funds needed for the ‘Bank on the Arts’ project.
Reservations are not needed to attend the 5:00 PM groundbreaking ceremony at 225 Bridge Street on Tuesday, April 5th which will feature a short speaking portion and celebratory reception. For more information, visit the Colonial Theatre’s website or contact emily@thecolonialtheatre.com. Those interested in learning more and contributing are invited to view the building plans and available naming opportunities at www.bankonthearts.org.
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The Colonial Theatre’s mission is to enhance the collective well-being of our region by restoring the landmark Colonial Theatre and promoting cultural, economic, and civic life. To that end, ACT presents film, live theatre, music, dance, and other community events in the heart of Phoenixville’s historic business district. The theatre is a nonprofit organization. To donate or to see what’s playing on screen, visit www.thecolonialtheatre.com
