Movie Theater Makes Its Move

A downtown movie theater is one step closer to reality.

Westport Cinema Initiative has just signed a lease for 154 Main Street — currently a parking lot behind Tavern on Main.

Plans are already being drawn for 3 screens, plus production facilities and multipurpose rooms. Rick Hoag is the architect; Michael Nishball a consultant. The hope is to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission by spring.

There will be screenings 365 days a year, including Saturday matinees for young children, and teen programming Saturday late afternoons.

The WCI is a “membership model independent cinema” — supported, in other words, by community members. A charter membership opportunity will be unveiled at the next screening: “The Great Gatsby” (February 2, 4 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church — part of WestportREADS).

WCI already has more than $300,000 in pledges and donations. They hope to raise $4 million, to cover building and equipment costs, and provide 2 years of operating expenses.

For the past 2 ½ years, 34 “angels” have given enough funding for bimonthly screenings. Those will continue until the theater is built. They’re held at venues around town. Rental of big screens, and appropriate movie projection, costs far more than a dedicated movie house.

A movie theater in downtown Westport. What will they think of next!