What is the Arcadia Project?

• We are a local 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to using arts and culture to build community. Our goal is to transform the 125 E. Beverley Street (the former Dixie Theater) while honoring its past and broadening its use as gathering places for ALL members of the community. 

Who used to own the buildings and what happened to them?

• The Staunton Performing Arts Center (SPAC) championed the redevelopment of the Dixie Theatre for nearly 20 years. While the support did not develop to bring their vision to fruition, they remain committed to seeing the Historic Movie Theater serve as an important cultural and economic resource for our community. The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge led a transition to a new organization, a new board, new leadership, and a new vision. 

What will change in the current buildings?

• Hopefully not too much. We are renovating to bring the buildings into the modern age while maintaining their historic character and current floor plans. The old movie theater will remain split into four auditoriums (the two on the ground floor to be renovated first). 

Are there financial incentives to help with this project from the government or other sources?

•  Yes! In the past three years we’ve received grants from Main Street Virginia ($25K), Virginia Economic Development Partnership ($50K), the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge (multiple), and VA Department of Housing and Community Development’s Industrial Revitalization Fund ($1.5M); we are applying for other government and foundation grants that are appropriate to the project.

Will the community be part of the planning?

• Absolutely! We conducted a community based survey in 2017 to ascertain unmet cultural needs in Staunton. The responses from over 270 people identified underserved groups and in-demand cultural and educational opportunities which informed our business plan. We will continue to survey the community going forward to make sure we are following the right path. We welcome volunteers to get involved, please attend our next open meeting!

Who is currently making decisions?

• Our board of directors consists of: a member of the city council, a local CFO, a non-profit executive director, a marketing director, a business manager, an attorney and a local movie theater owner. Our executive director is a former filmmaker.

What are the plans for the buildings uses?

• This non-profit community cultural center will feature theaters and event spaces, media studios, classes, workshops, and cultural programs.

How will this space bring people together beyond Shakespeare and Heifetz patrons? 

• Through a diversity of entertainment and education programs, we will work to ensure that there is programming for a broad range of community members and guests in the Staunton area. Through listening, we will determine the types of programs that our residents across all walks of life will find valuable. Scholarships will help make our educational programming accessible to all economic groups.

How will we cover the operational costs?

• Our revenue streams will include: memberships, class and workshop fees, ticket sales, concessions, rental agreements with local cultural partners along with grants and donations. We are exploring the following: a farm and flea festival; music events; a film club, a ball room dance club. 

How were we able to acquire the properties?

• Union Bank generously forgave $280,000 in debt, which combined with $70,000 we raised from the community “liberated” the buildings for their next incarnation.

I gave money to the old group in charge – where did it go?

• The previous group were able to replace the roof of the movie theater’s building and conducted asbestos removal from the basement and attic of the movie theater, along with remaining current on the mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance. Without that dedication, it’s likely the movie theater would not be available for any future non-profit arts related use. 

What about parking?

• Between the 1565 parking spots in Staunton, 800 of which are within a 2-minute walk to the court house, we think guests will have ample parking for events, particularly in evenings. And with our wide-range of offerings, we can also depend on foot traffic from MB students and those who live or are staying in nearby hotels. 

How long till it’s finished?

• Our goal is to bring the theater building and lobby back online by early 2025. 

Have more questions?

• Feel free to email Pamela Mason Wagner, our executive director, at any time for an update or for more information: info@thearcadiaproject.org or call (540) 885-3211.