Buying the theater was just the beginning. We are embarking on a multi-year capital campaign to renovate the theatre with the hope of beginning construction in 2028.
Phase One: Buy the Downer Theatre and Replace One Projector
We hope to install the new projector in early 2027.
Phase Two: The Bathrooms, Lobby, and Projection Booth
This phase will include restoring the vestibule, expanding the lobby and concessions area, and renovating the bathrooms to include adding an accessible family bathroom. The expanded lobby will allow for an elevated entrance experience and greater ease of movement in the lobby and concessions area. It will also allow us to use the lobby more intentionally when we host community groups and during our festivals.
Upstairs, this phase will also include renovating the projection booth to include 35mm projection capabilities and build additional workspaces for employees to use as a hybrid working location.
We hope to begin this phase in 2028 after the Milwaukee Film Festival.
Phase Three: The Theatre Houses
This phase includes enhanced seating options and sightlines, audio upgrades including acoustic isolation (so you will be less likely to hear one movie when you’re watching another movie), and screen masking and accessibility upgrades including the addition of a hearing loop for people who use assistive hearing devices.
We hope to begin this phase either as part of the 2028 renovations or after the 2029 Milwaukee Film Festival.
Bonus Phase: The Marquee
Naming rights are on the table for the Downer Theatre, and a blade sign may be added to reflect a donor’s title. We also hope to repair the current marquee so that its neon glow is even more resplendent.
Throughout, we plan to accrue a funding reserve for future capital project needs and improvements.
