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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Friends meeting tomorrow night

Reminder that the Friends of the Westmont Theatre (FOTWT) is meeting tomorrow (Thursday evening at 6:30pm in the Rohrer Memorial library. All members of the NCW (Neighbors celebrating the Westmont), Westmont theatre supporters, and those looking to join the FOTWT are encouraged to come out for the meeting.

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!

Westmont Theatre in today’s Philadelphia Inqurier

In today’s edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer is a story on the recent historic grant awarded to the Westmont Theatre.  See below for an excerpt from the story. To read the entire piece click on the words “Haddon Avenue” in the last line.

“Coming soon to the Westmont Theatre: A $50,000 grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust.

The money will help pay for the first comprehensive study of the physical condition and redevelopment potential of the vacant building, among the largest commercial structures on Haddon Avenue…”

Westmont Theatre receives historic preservation grant

This past fall –  Haddon Township, in partnership with the NCW, applied for the 2010 Historic Preservation Grant by the New Jersey Historic Trust. The 2010 Historic Preservation Grant Round is devoted to Historic Sites Management Grants and Capital Preservation Grants.

And just last week the Westmont Theatre was selected to receive a Historic Site Management Grant, which supports non-construction activities such as conditions assessments, engineering reports, construction documents, archaeology investigations, use feasibility studies and heritage tourism initiatives. The grant is for $50,000.00.

The award of this grant is a step in the right direction to restoring the theatre!

We’re still here…

Hi all…sorry if it looks like we went into the dark. The holiday season and early 2011 was a very busy time. And to be honest, not much has happened with the Westmont during that time. The NCW is alive and well; they’re still working on the non-profit status (it’s a long process).  We’ll keep you posted on the next NCW meeting, as well as any information from the town and county on the next steps for the theatre.

Westmont article in today’s Courier Post

In today’s edition of the Courier Post is a new article on the Westmont, and her recent listing on the N.J. historic registry.

“The Westmont Theater has been placed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, a move that allows the township to apply for historic preservation grants for the long-closed structure. Having the building on the New Jersey Register shows the commitment of the town to saving it,” said Margaret Westfield, a Haddon Heights historic preservation architect and member of Friends Celebrating the Westmont, a community group that has lobbied to preserve the 82-year-old vaudeville house. “Now the building, in its entirety, will be preserved…”

Westmont is now on NJ state registry listing!

It’s been quite a journey, but the Westmont Theatre is now officially on the New Jersey State Registry listing as a historic building.  This is a HUGE step forward in the possible restoration of the Westmont as a film and performing arts venue. And now that its official, the NCW will proceed to hold a general assembly meeting in August to discuss the next steps for the group, including the launch of the non-profit organization – Friends of the Westmont Theatre – which would be a fund-raising arm for private funding for the theatre’s restoration as a film and performing arts venue.

More info to come, including the NCW meeting notice…

‘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 Wins Ruling!

On the cover of the South Jersey section in this mornings Courier Post is the Westmont Theatre.

“A U.S. Court of Appeals  ruling has cleared the way for the redevelopment of one of Haddon Avenue’s most recognizable landmarks.The decision, released on Tuesday, upheld a previous court ruling that said the township had the right to sever an agreement with the Westmont Development Group LLC for the redevelopment of the Westmont Theater.The group, headed by Joanna Pang, who also operates the Trocadero in Philadelphia, hoped to turn the 82-year-old vaudeville house into a live performing arts venue.” Click here to read more