Thinking about a renovation? Planning a restoration? Looking to replace a few seats? Join the Salt Lake Film Society, Maiden Alley Cinema and Music Box Theatre as they present case studies of their theater projects. These theaters will share their challenges, funding opportunities, and advice for these types of projects.

1. Art House Convergence - Building Your Theater
Maiden Alley Cinema
The Columbia Theatre Restoration & Expansion Project

3. 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.!

4. 01
Single Screen /
Limited Access
Maiden 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.

5. 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.

10. The Case
Investing in the community and an organization that has a proven success record.

11. 01
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.

12. 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?

13. 01
The
Columbia
Club
A 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

20. 01
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

24. 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.

25. 01