1 of 12
2 of 12
Pre-renovation
3 of 12
4 of 12
5 of 12
6 of 12
7 of 12
8 of 12
9 of 12
10 of 12
11 of 12
12 of 12
Hillsboro Village's 90-year-old Belcourt Theatre has reopened after nearly seven months of much-needed modernization. But, as one of the Southeast's most cherished cinema-houses, a primary concern along the way was making sure it didn't lose its quirky, old-school soul in the process.
'It really was a community-driven thought process,” executive director Stephanie Silverman says, describing $5 million worth of people-focused improvements during a recent tour of the new facility. 'The whole thing is going to have a warmer and more welcoming feel.”
It's easy to see the truth in that statement right away, as a flashy new façade and entrance, which, unlike the old cinder-block wall, features huge windows, giving off light and drawing people in from 21st Avenue. The parking lot should be sufficiently lit after dark, and longstanding accessibility issues have been solvedbut the poster boxes and arches over the old doors have all been thoughtfully restored, maintaining traces of the past.
Inside, a spacious lobby offers room to mingle, plus there are new restrooms and an expanded concessions stand. Key operational systems, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, are now up to date for the first time in decades, and gigantic new refrigerators mean local beers can finally be kept cold all the time (they used to warm up right after delivery). Plus, unique snacks, including tamales and empanadas, will be sold in partnership with Mesa Komalthe commercial-kitchen arm of Conexión Américaskeeping more money in the Nashville community and satisfying foodies at the same time. 'Small thingsbut things that are important,” Silverman explains.
Upgrades to the theaters, on the other hand, are tougher to see, but the Belcourt staff counts that as a plus. The 1966 hall is now down to 250 seatsstill sufficient for film screeningsand the 1925 hall has returned to its original ceiling height after a poorly constructed fly-loft was removed. The décor remains untouched.
Meanwhile, the second floor is completely new, featuring a versatile 40-person screening room and a new classroom to help grow 'long-term big-screen addicts.” Films nearing the end of their run can move upstairs to make way for up to 1,000 extra screenings in the main halls each year, and after-show discussions can now stretch on without interruption. Plus, ideas to expand on the Belcourt's educational programs are already taking shape, with early priorities such as empowering teenage girls, as well as educating families with children on the autism spectrum. (Think: positive role models and sensory-friendly screenings.)
'I would love to see school buses here every day of the week,” education and engagement director Allison Inman says. 'And I think that will happen. It's only growing.”
Indeed: Primed for another 90 years, but with artistic soul and local accent intact, chalk up this example of 'New Nashville” as a success.
2102 Belcourt Ave., 615-846-3150; belcourt.org