Art House Convergence - Building Your Theater

Maiden Alley CinemaThe Columbia Theatre Restoration & Expansion Project

Paducah Film Society began in 1991 showing one film a month called “Sundays at the Cinema” in a rented space. !In 2001, a permanent home was created via Maiden Alley Cinema.

Unique to our region. One of only 4 cinematic art houses in the state of Kentucky.!

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Single Screen / Limited AccessMaiden Alley Cinema currently utilizes a shared space only giving access to the theater after 5:00pm on Monday-Thursday and after 4:00pm on Friday-Sunday.!!This became our argument for expansion.

When we began Music@MAC, it was argued that we were getting away from our mission, however it brought in an entirely new clientele that have since become movie goers.

Alternative Programming Complimenting our mission.

The CaseInvesting in the community and an organization that has a proven success record.

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A Long Road. Columbia (est. 1927)- The Columbia has been vacant since 1987.

- Many came before us with proposals.

- The property belonged to the city to escape demolition by neglect.

- A defeatist attitude had set in (Lenny Kravitz syndrome).

- Educating the community on what the partnership could mean for expansion was paramount.

Initial questions from the community.

What will happen to Maiden Alley Cinema?

Why do you need more space?

How do you expect to fill three additional venues?

Will it compete with our already existing cultural treasures?

How are you going to fund it?

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The Columbia ClubA new 501(c)3 non-profit organization was established for the sole purpose of restoring and renovating the Columbia Theatre.

!Signature Project - Paducah Main Street

!It will continue to aid in other restoration projects once this one is complete.

Milestones

Concept Study completed and funded by City of Paducah Westlake Reed Leskosky

Presentations to the City Commission / Meetings with civic groups

Building handed over to the Columbia Club with an MOU in place between MAC, CC and City.

Deemed a city sanctioned (not funded) project - Planning Dept.

Planning (Feasibility) Study completed December 2014 The Palmer Westport Group

Funds secured - KY EPA Brownfield Grant

The Columbia Theatre is a beacon of grandeur unique to historic Paducah, providing diverse

cultural experiences, sustaining economic vitality and inspiring creative endeavors

across generations.

– Columbia Theatre mission statement composed by !

Columbia Club Board of Directors

Where we sit presents challenges & opportunity.Buildings on either side have been rehabilitated and re-purposed. Majority of block vacant and without foot traffic. Economic development / Youth retention becomes an argument.

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Challenges

Other capital campaigns going on within the community

Located beside a church / Parking

To what era will we restore the space?

Keeping our current location in addition to Columbia . . . . how will that work?

No place to expand without acquiring already claimed real estate

Doing it the way it has always been done - “Can’t do it without the suits” mentality

Next Steps

Use state EPA Brownfield funds to leverage federal monies

Submit application for NEA Our Town grant to fund architectural planning

Keep a constant open dialogue with civic leaders / foundations

Educating public and potential donors on the cultural and economic impact and significance

Cultivation events for potential large donors

EDUCATION. EDUCATION. EDUCATION.

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