Capitol Theatre is getting a new operator
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Cleveland Cinemas is out at the Capitol Theatre later this summer.
The big picture: Northwest Neighborhoods (NWN), the community development corporation that owns the venue, has been working since last year to revive the small, independent cinema in the Gordon Square Arts District amid declining attendance and changing moviegoing habits.
Driving the news: Beginning July 31, Atlanta-based Arthouse Management LLC will take over operations.
- The company plans to supplement mainstream new releases with independent and international fare and a heavier dose of community programming.
Catch up quick: Built in 1921 as a vaudeville and silent film house, the Capitol sat vacant for roughly two decades before reopening in 2009 on the heels of a $7.5 million renovation.
- Cleveland Cinemas has operated it ever since.
- The local chain's portfolio will soon include only its flagship theater, the Cedar Lee in Cleveland Heights and the Apollo in Oberlin, after Tower City Cinemas closed in 2020.
What they're saying: Cleveland Cinemas' founder and president Jon Forman referred Axios to NWN for comment.
Zoom in: Arthouse Management specializes in historic independent theaters and currently operates Atlanta's Plaza and Tara cinemas.
- "The Capitol reminds us why we got into this work," said Arthouse's Chris Escobar in a statement. "Historic theatres like this are cultural anchors. Our job is to honor that legacy while making sure the Capitol remains relevant and accessible for today's audiences."
Between the lines: The shift reflects a broader reality for independent theaters: relying solely on first-run Hollywood films has become increasingly difficult.
- NWN is leaning into the idea of the theater as a community gathering space, with the potential for events and partnerships with area organizations.
What's next: The Capitol recently received a $50,000 county grant for a new digital projector.
- Arthouse Management intends to hire an operations director for the theater soon.