RESTORING A GEM

In 2018, Milwaukee Film took over operations of the historic cinema palace, the Oriental Theatre. Before re-opening the doors, we launched a $10 million capital campaign both to fund restoration projects at the theater and to create an operational reserve for the nonprofit Milwaukee Film. We surpassed our $10 million goal in February 2019, securing the long-term viability of the Oriental Theatre and the organization that operates it.

 

By restoring the Oriental Theatre, supporting the local film industry, and celebrating the power of film to build community, Milwaukee Film has positioned itself as a leading cultural institution in the country and a key part of our city’s future.

 

Restoration Phases

SUMMER 2018 // RESTORATION PHASE I (complete!)

Before officially welcoming the public to Milwaukee Film’s Oriental Theatre, we made some significant improvements to the theater:

·      Constructed restrooms on the first floor of the theater, including adding a first-floor women’s restroom

·      Installed new projection and sound equipment in all three theaters

·      Made critical repairs to the building roof and to ceilings

 

 

 

SUMMER-FALL 2019 // RESTORATION PHASE II (complete!)

The second phase of restoration also focused on a combination of critical needs for the building and fan-friendly additions to upgrade the customer experience:

•        Installed new seats, carpeting and soundproofing in the West Theater
•        Adjusted flooring and increased wheelchair spots in the West Theater to improve accessibility
•        Installed a new hearing loop system in the West Theater to improve clarity for guests who may need hearing assistance
•        Restored the domed ceiling in the West Theater
•        Upgraded fixtures in the West Theater to LED lighting
•        Replaced the lobby concession stand to improve functionality and accessibility
•        Upgraded speakers, soundproofing, and projection booth in the Main Theater
•        Upgraded fire safety systems, including alarms and exit doors

 

 

 

SPRING 2020 // RESTORATION PHASE III

Details on the next phase of restoration are still being finalized, but the largest improvements will be the replacement of all ground-floor seats and carpeting in the Main Theater and adding a new hearing loop system for use on the ground floor. We also aim to upgrade all ground floor fixtures in the Main Theater to LED lighting and restore portions of the ceiling.

SPRING 2021 // RESTORATION PHASE IV

During 2021, we anticipate replacing the seats and carpeting in the East Theater and the balcony of the Main Theater, as well as adding a new hearing loop system in those areas. We will restore the remainder of the ceilings in both theaters and upgrade fixtures to LED lighting. In the East Theater, we will adjust the flooring and increase wheelchair spots to improve accessibility.

THE FUTURE // RESTORATION PHASE V

It’s a ways off, but once the work in the theaters is complete, we anticipate replacing carpeting throughout the main lobby, as well as restoring the ceiling and upgrading fixtures to LED lighting.