tower | Salt Lake Film Society

TOWER THEATRE PLANNING UPDATES

This page was last updated on November 6, 2025

Our goal is to update this page quarterly.

We extend our deep gratitude to all who have inquired about and continue to love the Tower. SLFS remains 100% committed to preserving this unique and wonderful cinematic gem.

THE VISION

The 1928 historic Tower Theatre is being designed and renovated as an environmentally responsible crown-jewel movie house and community hub dedicated exclusively to cinematic experiences.

When completed, the Tower will serve as a community-based, mission-driven anchor for the 9th & 9th neighborhood. This treasured movie house will be Utah’s cinematic museum, trailblazing environmental responsibility and serving community through historic, contemporary, and unique technological film screenings, director/actor Q&As, cultural/environmental films, panel discussions, and SLFS’ curated programming. It will include museum exhibits that celebrate cinema’s history while inspiring the future of the medium.

RECENT HAPPENINGS

LATEST NEWS:

We’re thrilled to share that Salt Lake Film Society has submitted the initial concept drawings for the Tower Theatre renovation project to Salt Lake City Building Services for the required planning review.

This milestone represents an exciting — though very early — step in the long and thoughtful process of restoring and reimagining our beloved 1928 movie house.

Developed by the Tower’s talented architectural and design partners, these drawings reflect the project’s preliminary vision. They will continue to evolve as we incorporate community input, professional feedback, and sustainable design principles rooted in our environmental mission.

Read more in our official news release here.

See our news coverage in the Salt Lake Tribune here.

ONGOING PROGRESS

This summer also marked steady progress throughout the schematic design phase of the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years project. Our architectural and engineering partners have been working closely with SLFS leadership and consultants to refine concepts, sustainability goals, and community-driven priorities.

Highlights since May include:

Advancement of schematic drawings, which will guide the next stage of design development in 2026.
Continued Tower tours with philanthropists and foundation leaders, resulting in new early donor commitments.
Ongoing collaboration with our architecture, engineering, and design partners, who remain on schedule to complete schematic work in 2026.
Regular upkeep of the Tower’s exterior and surrounding property throughout the summer to maintain the building’s historic charm and neighborhood presence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

When will the Tower reopen?

The Tower is projected to complete major renovations later this decade. Exact reopening dates will depend on fundraising success, design development, and construction and manufacturing schedules.

What stage is the project in now?

We are currently in the schematic design/capital campaign build phase, scheduled to run through 2026. This stage will deliver architectural drawings, cost estimates, city approvals, and a public fundraising campaign gameplan.

Why is this renovation taking years instead of months?

Historic restorations of this scale require multiple stages: visioning, schematic design, design development, fundraising, and construction. Similar projects at peer cinemas have taken 5–10 years to complete. Often the perception is that such projects are only 2-3 years due to the timeframe the project “goes public.” When in reality, such projects have a quiet phase of planning and development, often with boards and behind-the-scenes, for years prior to announcing to the public such projects. Since the Tower is not in operations, this quiet phase is not really possible for SLFS. The public already knows the Tower exists and needs support to reopen. It will take all of us to make it a success, but it will take time.

How can I support the Tower project right now?

The most direct way is to become a sustaining donor through our Red Carpet Club. Sustaining donors keep SLFS as an institution strong and healthy so we can execute the vision for the Tower.

Businesses and philanthropists interested in leadership-level giving can contact us at info@saltlakefilmsociety.org for more information.

Will Tower programming continue in the meantime?

Yes! SLFS continues to host Tower programming at Broadway Centre Cinemas, including our annual Tower of Terror series each fall.

What makes this renovation environmentally responsible?

The project is rooted in biophilic design principles, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable building practices. Our Project Ethics Mandate ensures equity, environmental stewardship, and just practices guide every phase.

Why can’t the Tower just “patch things up” and reopen sooner?

The assessments revealed significant structural and systems challenges, including roof truss reinforcement, electrical and HVAC upgrades, and accessibility improvements. Patching these without a full plan would compromise long-term safety, sustainability, and preservation goals.

THE TIMELINE

THE PROJECT HISTORY

The Tower Theatre, a 1928 movie house, holds many mysteries and secrets. For 23 years, SLFS rented the Tower, limiting our ability to invest deeply in the building. In 2021, a modest lobby renovation was planned, but the historic complexity of the site escalated costs. With the Utah Theatre being demolished, SLFS purchased the Tower in 2022 to preserve it for future generations.

Thanks to the Alternative Visions Fund, SLFS now owns the building outright and is laying the groundwork for its preservation and transformation.

THE VISIONING PROGRESS

Since acquiring the Tower Theatre in December 2022, SLFS has been collaborating with arts leaders, board members, staff, and community partners to shape the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years Project. Our phased approach — Visioning, Planning (schematics), Design, and Construction — is modeled after successful restorations across the country.

Your engagement is crucial. Supporting our Broadway Centre Cinemas, attending events, and becoming a sustaining donor all strengthen SLFS and this project’s future.

With love,

SLFS staff, board, advisory committees, and volunteers

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