A few months ago, the West Newton Cinema was set to be closed for good unless the nonprofit supporting it could raise the funds to buy it.
And that’s what the West Newton Cinema Foundation did, to the tune of more than $5 million. And now, they’re planning to renovate the property to incorporate film festivals, author events and other uses for the building in addition to the mainstream movies the cinema shows (a plan similar to that of Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline).
“Our first step in planning for restoration and renovation of the Cinema is a Facility Feasibility Study to gather facts and generate a strategy for a prudent investment in the building,” Elizabeth Heilig, president of the West Newton Cinema Foundation Board of Directors said in an email announcement about the progress the project has seen. “The study will provide a detailed assessment of the current condition of the Cinema, develop plans for architectural and engineering improvements, and provide accurate cost estimates and a phased renovation strategy.”
This fall, Newton’s Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously to approve $98,500 in matching funds for the study. The Zoning and Planning and Finance committees are set to review the project before it heads to the full City Council for approval.