New Study on Westmont Theatre is now available

“A new study of the Westmont Theater estimates over $3.1 million would be the minimum to restore the 85-year-old entertainment venue to an operable state.” Read the full story at The Retrospect.

“Mayor Randy Teague said he and  Commissioners Paul Dougherty and John Foley have reviewed the Gibson study and plan to begin discussions of the theatre’s future at Tuesday’s Caucus meeting of the governing body. While little is certain about the theatre’s future use, Teague said the public will be invited to comment.

The Tuesday Caucus is tomorrow night (July 17).  Anyone interested in the Westmont Theatre, its future or want to learn more about the study is encouraged to attend the meeting.
 

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It’s Official…FOTWT has non-profit group status

For the past few months the NCW has been working on their non-profit group status. We’re delighted to announce that Friends of the Westmont Theatre, Inc (FOTWT) is now a non-profit group. For those who aren’t aware, the FOTWT was formed to be a fundraising arm for the restoration and preservation of the Westmont Theatre. This fall they’ll start fundraising projects in/around the Haddon Township area.

Any interested in participating in a fundraiser, or making a donation,  is encouraged to send an email through our “About Us” tab.

We’re on our way!

Haddon Twp Block Party was a success!

The weather was beautiful, the popcorn was fresh and interest in the Westmont was abounding. We showed up at 9:30 to setup our booth. By 11am fresh popcorn was popping away in the machine. And come noon the patrons were lining up for their free popcorn, but this time that freebie came with a message – a info card on how others can learn about the Westmont & the NCW.

By 2pm the NCW handed out over 200 bags of popcorn and received 20 new contact info from patrons who want to join the NCW mailing list. A very touching moment came around 3pm when a young boy, one who’d stopped by twice before for popcorn, wanted to make a donation to the NCW cause. He placed his $1 in the email sign-up sheet bin and walked away smiling, and of course he received another free bag of popcorn 🙂

Below are some pictures from the day…

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Haddon Township Block Party

Next Saturday, September 25th, is the annual Haddon Township Block Party. Once again the will setup a booth and hand out freshly popped pop corn, screen the NCW awareness video and encourage patrons to sign-up for their email listing and/or come out to the next meeting. If you know others who are interested in meeting members of the NCW. Please encourage them to stop by the NCW booth next Saturday for more information.

Haddon Township working on theatre

This morning two Haddon Township work trucks were parked out in front of the theatre. A handful of Haddon Twp. employees (perhaps from public works) went inside the theatre to do some work. What kind of work? We do not know just yet. When we have more information we’ll post it right away!

Upcoming NCW meeting

The NCW is planning to hold a meeting this month to discuss their next steps with regards to the Westmont. The meeting date/time has not been set but will most likely be at the Rohrer Memorial Library in Haddon Township. If you’re interested in attending, please send an email through the contact us page and someone will reach out to you with the meeting information.

‘Twp wins again in Westmont Theatre case’

In this past week’s edition of The Retrospect is another article on the recent Haddon Twp ruling on the Westmont Theatre. This article goes into a little detail on the groups, including the NCW, that are interested in the theatre.

On Tuesday, Haddon Township’s governing body received another ruling in its favor for severing a redevelopment contract involving the Westmont Theatre.
Haddon Township Mayor Randy Teague welcomed the news and said the commissioners will continue to pursue development of the theater… read more

Haddon Township removed the fence around the theatre

Haddon Twp employees removed the fence that encompassed the theatre.  Early review of the now walkable area underneath the marquee shows that they also removed one of the glass display cases (far right window in picture below) and boarded it up with plywood for the time being. As to other work (marquee, 2nd floor windows), we weren’t able to tell what work may have been done.  The NCW has reached out to the township and has asked them what work, besides removing the fence, do they plan to do at this time.  We’ll keep you posted on the progress.

The removal of the fence, an eye-sore since ’07, is a reason to celebrate!

KYW News Radio interview with Allen Hauss

NCW Chairman Allen Hauss was recently interviewed by KYW News Radio to discuss the potential redevelopment/restoration of the Westmont Theatre. Click on the link below to hear the interview.

KYW-News-Westmont-Interview

Westmont in The Philadelphia Inquirier

In yesterday’s edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer is another article on the Westmont Theatre.

“It has been more than 80 years since the Westmont Theatre opened in Haddon Township to showcase traveling vaudeville acts and silent films. And decades since a young Steven Spielberg sat in its darkened rows watching movies play across the screen…” click HERE to read more.