Park Theater Trust says it is nearing $15 million goal, aims for early 2027 reopening

Kathy Bowles, president of the Park Theater Trust, told the Lafayette City Council that the nonprofit is ‘‘closing in on our goal of raising $15,000,000 to renovate this historic community cinema that has been dark for all these years,’’ and that the project is targeting an early 2027 reopening.

Bowles said the Park Theater, built in 1941, was purchased by the all‑volunteer Park Theater Trust in 2021 with support from the city and community donors. The renovation plan would convert the single‑screen house into a two‑theater venue (about 160–165 seats in the larger house and roughly 49 in the smaller), add a community space with a commercial kitchen, a rooftop terrace with solar panels and upgraded acoustics and HVAC systems, and preserve the theater’s marquee and historic architectural features.

The Trust emphasized historic preservation and partnerships. Bowles described the theater’s streamlined‑moderne architecture and rare decorative glass in the marquee, and said the Trust has identified a specialist, Jim Rizzo of Berkeley, to restore the neon. She also said some original items will be repurposed in the new facility and that the Lafayette Historical Society will receive selected archival artifacts. A documentary funded by the Community Foundation of Lafayette will chronicle the theater’s history and reconstruction.

On technical partnerships and operations, Bowles named ArcSine (architect), Charles Salter of Salter Engineering, Meyer Sound (acoustical partner), and Taylor Engineering (HVAC). She said Cinema SF Bay will operate the venue and that representatives met local stakeholders in Lafayette. Bowles said many consultants and contractors have offered services at discounted rates to reduce project costs.

When a council member asked about timing, Bowles said permitting slowed the schedule over the holidays but that construction is planned as a roughly 14‑month project and the Trust is ‘‘pushing to see if we can shrink that a little bit.’’ She cited weekly meetings with the contractor Ovra and coordination with PG&E as part of keeping the project on schedule.

The presentation concluded with Bowles asking the audience whether they believe the Park can be a ‘‘cultural catalyst’’ for the wider community and requesting continued community support. The council thanked the presenters. There was no public comment on the item.