While the outside world jumps between suspense, horror and occasional dark comedy these days, West Newton Cinema’s comeback story has reached a pleasant plot twist, thanks to the city’s Community Preservation Committee.

The Community Preservation Act allows communities to set up a fund for certain projects related to historic preservation, affordable housing, outdoor recreation and more, funded with a local property tax surcharge and state money. Those projects are picked by a local committee in each city and town enrolled in the CPA.

Newton’s Community Preservation Committee recently proposed $1.97 million in CPA funds for the restoration of West Newton Cinema, which the City Council has approved.

“This is an exciting moment for the West Newton Cinema,” Elizabeth Heilig, president of the West Newton Cinema Foundation, said. “We are so pleased and grateful for the Newton City Council’s unanimous support to preserve the Cinema as a vital cultural and historic asset for our region.”

This saga started in late 2022, when Mark Development bought the property on which the historic cinema stands. The developer told supporters of the cinema that if a nonprofit raised $5.2 million by August 2024, they could buy the cinema.

So, the West Newton Cinema Foundation was formed and purchased the cinema—in the nick of time last summer, after a rigorous two-year fundraising push—saving the cherished West Newton Cinema from demolition.

Now it’s on to the next phase, which involves renovating the cinema to host film festivals, author events and support other uses for the building in addition to the mainstream movies the cinema shows.

The plan is similar to that of Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline.

But that requires a lot of money, too, so the West Newton Cinema Foundation has been busy raising money for the transformation.

The nearly $2 million from CPA funds will pay for about half of Phase 1, which involves restoration work on the 1937 Art Deco-style theatre, including roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades and other not-so-glamorous but much-needed repairs.

The lobby and mezzanine will also see a transformation, with plaster repair and new paint colors, refinished doors and carpeting.

Movie buffs, don’t fear. The cinema will be open throughout the repair work so you can still enjoy films and community programs there.

“In the coming months, we will begin to realize our vision of a theater that is as beautiful and comfortable as it is well-loved,” Heilig continued. “Roof work has already begun. Construction is being carefully planned to ensure safe access and uninterrupted operations for patrons.”

West Newton Cinema was built in 1937, giving Boston-area families an outlet for entertainment in tumultuous times. The cinema has served as a local landmark and community fixture  since, with around 50,000 visitors a year.