Category: General

Strengthening Tower Theatre for the Next 100 Years

The Tower, in its current condition, cannot be opened for operations, and is not in a condition to be inhabited for cinema presentations at this time. Since purchasing the Tower Theatre in December 2022, thanks to a generous grant from the Alternative Visions Fund, Salt Lake Film Society (SLFS) has been dedicated to ensuring this beloved landmark thrives for many more generations of cinema lovers. After the purchase, a thorough assessment revealed the Tower needs essential TLC for its long-term safety and sustainability. We are reaching out to foundational donors who are passionate about historic spaces, the environment, and changing the world and are thrilled to steward the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years project. 

Here’s what’s happening and why planning is such a big deal:

To ensure the building’s longevity, SLFS is working on a plan for significant structural repairs and upgrades. This is a major undertaking because we want to do it right and preserve the Tower Theatre’s historic charm. It is not merely a quick fix; it requires careful planning, skilled work, and a significant budget/fundraising plan of action. It will require community, donor support, and a comprehensive capital campaign. We anticipate the entire process to take years. Our dedicated team will meticulously develop the capital plan, architectural vision, and fundraising strategy to realize the Tower as an environmentally responsible cultural hub for nostalgic, modern, and uncensored cinematic experiences.

Over the years, even the sturdiest structures need a little extra support. Although SLFS has operated Tower Theatre as a steward for 23 years, we have only in the past 18 months, as new owners, been able to address these more substantial opportunities. For 23 years, SLFS, as a rental tenant, maintained the Tower Theatre on a limited budget, relying on generous patrons and donors to keep it running. This included installing new carpeting, ADA viewing areas, roofing, projection systems, sound systems, screens, plaster repairs, HVAC systems, and more.

Following the purchase of the Tower, SLFS engaged engineers and architects to assess and envision the future of this historic space. Structural evaluations revealed the need for safety and sustainability in critical areas. Professionals found structural deflections and visible cracks in the proscenium. The beam/truss supporting the roof of the Tower, and the proscenium head where the screen resides were deemed to need steel reinforcement, prompting a significant change for the building’s auditorium area. Additionally, significant overhaul of electrical systems, HVAC renovations, plumbing, roofing, and ADA access evaluations are required. 

This planning presents opportunities to improve this safe space for accessibility, to renew screen size and cinema technology, and to focus on long-term sustainable and environmental preservation of the cinema. Thanks to Alternative Visions Fund, the Tower project will pursue an environmentally responsible path.

We are excited to have finally started this process as owners of the building. While the project will take time, we are committed to preserving the Tower Theatre as a cinematic home for our community. We are starting with foundational donors who can bring substantial resource to the project. If you or your business would like to be involved in the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years project as a lead donor, please contact us at info@saltlakefilmsociety.org.

SLFS promises to continue offering Tower programming at Broadway Centre Cinemas, including our popular Tower of Terror series each fall.

We express our sincere gratitude to all who have engaged with us about the future of The Tower. Please continue to support SLFS’s mission to exhibit, create, and preserve cinematic experiences by becoming a Red Carpet Club sustainer at SLFStix.org/donate.

With love, 

SLFS staff, board, advisory committees, and volunteers