Park Theatre Trust outlines $15 million renovation plan, aims to reopen as two‑screen cinema and community hub

Lafayette, Calif. — The Park Theatre Trust presented its renovation plan to the city council Tuesday, saying the 1941 Park Theatre will be restored as a two‑screen movie house and community facility after the volunteer nonprofit purchased the property in 2021.

Kathy Bowles, president of the Park Theatre Trust, said the group is closing in on a $15 million fundraising goal to renovate the single‑screen theater into a sustainable two‑theater cinema, a commercial kitchen, rooftop terrace and community mezzanine. The trust identified partners involved in the project: ArcSine (architect), Charles Salter of Salter Engineering, Myers Sound (acoustics), Taylor Engineering (AAV HVAC) and Cinema SF Bay as the proposed operator for programming and operations.

The renovation plans include restoring original Art Deco elements — neon marquee glass, restored sconces and period finishes — and adding contemporary amenities such as solar panels and ADA‑accessible pathways between the station and downtown. Bowles said the trust is also producing a documentary on the theatre’s history funded by the Community Foundation of Lafayette and expects the theatre to reopen in early 2027.

Councilmembers asked about the schedule and permitting; Bowles said permitting had delayed the schedule but the trust is targeting early 2027 for opening and anticipates a roughly 14‑month construction timeline once work begins. The project will close portions of the south BART parking lot beginning Feb. 23 (staff earlier noted the downtown/BART pathway project timing), a separate capital improvement item presented by the city manager.

Bowles emphasized community benefits: the project will host films, concerts, lectures, and local arts programming and provide a communal gathering space that Trust leaders say will strengthen downtown vitality.