The Coolidge today announced The Campaign for the Coolidge, a $12.5 million expansion project that will add 14,000 square feet to the existing building, including two new, state-of-the-art theaters and a new Community Education and Engagement Center.
Featuring design by award-winning architecture firm Höweler + Yoon, the expansion will complement our existing historic, Art Deco building. The new space will accommodate two new state-of-the-art theaters (with 149 seats and 57 seats, respectively); a 688 square foot Community Education and Engagement Center that will accommodate a 60-seat classroom space for our educational offerings, event space for theater and community gatherings and post-screening discussions, a catering kitchen and outdoor roof deck, a media library; a new entrance, lobby, and concessions area with improved accessibility. The box office and main theatre entrance will be relocated to Centre Street [as pictured above], and current common areas will be upgraded for improved accessibility. The addition turns the back of the theater into a new front, drawing in guests across the site. An articulated brick 'curtain' facade plays on the art deco motifs from the original 1933 building. Throughout the project, the selective use of lighting and color contributes to the spectacle of the theater-going experience.
Thanks to the philanthropic support of numerous individuals, families, and foundations, the Coolidge has raised 85 percent of its campaign goal of $12.5 million, which includes a $1 million gift from The Trust Family Foundation to establish an endowment.
“Since 1933, the Coolidge Corner Theatre has showcased great works of cinema and offered innovative programming to audiences of all ages – creating community and a cultural life force – for Brookline and Greater Boston. This past pandemic year has been challenging, but we are incredibly moved by the outpouring of support we’ve received from the community, and are thrilled to share the news about this exciting new chapter in Coolidge history,” remarked Michael Maynard, Coolidge Board Chairman. “This expansion will allow us to do more of what we do best in a gorgeous new space that fits perfectly with our historic theatre. It will be the Coolidge that we all know and love, only bigger and better.”
Coolidge Executive Director & CEO Katherine Tallman added: “The Campaign for the Coolidge allows us to expand our capacity to serve and grow our audiences with more curated programming, expanded educational and engagement programs, and a more welcoming, accessible experience for all. We are grateful to the many individuals, families, and foundations who have recognized the unique and indelible role the Coolidge plays in the community and who have contributed generously to ensure its vitality for generations to come."
Pending final permitting, construction is scheduled to commence in July 2021, with a projected end date of August 2022. The Coolidge anticipates minimal disruption to regular business as construction will take place during the morning and early afternoon, and the bulk of the work will be adding on to the existing building. The theatre, which was recently named one of the world’s 50 most beautiful cinemas by Time Out, reopened on May 13 following 14 months of pandemic-related closure.
More information about the project and campaign (including project renderings) can be found at campaign.coolidge.org.
learn more about the expansion
The Coolidge is actively seeking support from individuals, foundations, and corporations wanting to make a meaningful investment in preserving and enhancing this Brookline treasure. For more information about how you can be a part of the Campaign for the Coolidge, please email development@coolidge.org or call 617-734-2501
