The multi-use complex-anticipated to be the new focal point of downtown Amherst-will showcase a new three-screen cinema addition as well as office, retail and restaurant space.
The cinema will host three screens-one 190-seat theater and two 49-seat theaters. The theaters will play mainstream, independent and local films from acclaimed and emerging filmmakers alike.
The cinema's features include stadium seating, Dolby digital sound, 35mm projection and more toilets in the ladies' room than in the men's room.
The theaters will also have smaller stages for live performances-open-mic nights, poetry slams, storytellers and puppeteers.
Local developer Barry Roberts, who has previously renovated other landmarks, bought the 79-year-old building from the Amherst Center for Stage and Screen in January. Roberts is building the cinemas and selling them to the non-profit group at cost.
The United States House of Representatives recently passed a bill that will award the project another $275,000. The non-profit group hopes to reach $1.5 million in fundraising by the end of the year, and has received nearly $900,000 already.
The old theater, built out of a stable in 1926, was the only movie house in Amherst until it closed in 1999. Since then, students have relied on the Cinemark at Hampshire Mall, or on FLICS for second-fare movies. After a series of false starts to restore the abandoned 1920s theater, the project is finally about to become reality.
State Senator Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) is a strong proponent of the project. "He has been supportive of the project from the beginning," said Tom Mitchell, communications director for Rosenberg. "Anytime that a project you work on starts to move forward, it is satisfying. You just have to make sure it keeps moving. This would provide another social and cultural attraction in downtown Amherst that would benefit the college students and community at large."
Amherst Coffee and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce have already moved into the complex. Tabella, a restaurant serving tapas-style meals, will open there by the end of the month. In October, Kuhn-Riddle Architects will move into the second floor.