Belcourt Already Over 50 Percent Funded For Restoration Project

Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre has already raised over 50 percent of a $4.5 million restoration, refurbishing and preservation fundraising effort it publicly announced this morning (Sept. 10). Much of that funding has come from early leadership gifts and pledges, including those from its board of directors. Individuals, foundations and businesses can now join in.

Once home to the Grand Ole Opry (1934-36), the 90-year-old building has not seen upgrades in 50 years. New seats, draping, carpeting, and aisle lighting were however treated, in addition to the installation of 4K digital cinema projection systems in both halls.

With membership at an all-time high, the nationally-recognized space hopes to renovate the original proscenium arch and wooden fly loft, restrooms, handicap accessibility, safety features, and core systems like HVAC and plumbing.

A new 2nd floor classroom/meeting space and a small screening room are part of the plans. The flexible screening room (with seating capacity of about 45) will be outfitted with a digital projection system and used for public screenings—as well as Belcourt classes and education programs, private screenings, and test screenings for local filmmakers.

This plan will not change the Belcourt’s current footprint or parking.

The project has an estimated start date at the beginning of 2016. Both architects (Tuck-Hinton) and builders (R.C. Mathews Contractor) estimate a five-month timeline, a period when the Belcourt will close its building. A series of pop-up screenings around town with community partners will be organized during the downtime. Its annual Red Carpet Evening event will take place off-site on Feb. 28, 2016. Memberships will be extended for the time period of the closure.

More information here.