Coolidge Corner Theatre Breaks Ground On $12.5M Expansion

BROOKLINE, MA — The Coolidge Corner Theatre celebrated the groundbreaking of a $12.5 million expansion last week, a project that will transform the local landmark into a leading center for film and media.

The expansion, funded by over 500 donors who raised 90% of the $12.5 million campaign goal, will add two new state-of-the-art screens to show more first-run narrative, documentary, and international films, a new entrance on Centre St. that will open into a lobby, and a Community Engagement and Education Center. Designed by the award-winning architecture firm Höweler + Yoon, the addition will integrate with the building's Art Deco theme.

"This is an extremely meaningful day in the history of the Coolidge, and we would not be here without you," said Katherine Tallman, Executive Director & CEO of the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, at the groundbreaking ceremony.

"This expansion is key to meeting the demands of our current and future generations," she continued.

Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included state Rep. Tommy Vitolo, Select Board Chair Heather Hamilton, Town Administrator Mel Kleckner, and Coolidge Board Chair Michael Maynard, who all spoke highly of the theatre and what it means to the local community.

"We all love the theatre because we all have personal experiences related to the theatre," said Vitolo, who shared that he recently celebrated his anniversary at the Coolidge.

"None of you come to the theatre and go home," he continued. "That economic development and community building is essential for our society and it's something we've been missing for the past few months."

The Coolidge was forced to close in-person screenings and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staying afloat via community support and online programming. The theatre reopened for the first time in over a year on May 13 and is continuing to uphold safety guidelines by requiring face masks and proof of vaccination.

"Despite all these challenges, Brookline and the Coolidge Corner Theatre prevailed," said Kleckner.

"It's hard to envision Brookline without the Coolidge Corner Theatre," he continued. "Congratulations to Coolidge Corner Theatre and the Town of Brookline."