Frequently Asked Questions

History of the Project

  1. The New Theatre was built in 1913 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style as a vaudeville theatre located at 125 E. Beverley Street in downtown Staunton. After a catastrophic fire in 1936, it was rebuilt as a movie theater in the Art Moderne style and renamed the Dixie Theater.  On April 10, 1981, it was split into four screens. Unable to transition to digital projection, it closed in 2014. 

  2. In 2017, Arcadia Project began redeveloping the former Dixie Theater.  Arcadia took over the project from The Staunton Performing Arts Center (SPAC), which had led a prior effort with a different vision. The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge assisted with the transition from SPAC to Arcadia.

  3. Arcadia Project’s first steps included a community survey in 2018. On July 1, 2019, the Arcadia Project reached a settlement on the historic Dixie Theater’s debt, made possible by a $280,000 gift from Atlantic Union Bank and an additional $70,000 raised from 38 local donors. 

  4. Multiple grants flowed since 2019: from the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge; a Main Street Feasibility Study Grant ($25K); an Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) Planning Grant ($100K); three Brownfield grants ($50,000 each) from the Economic Development Partnership to remediate mold and asbestos. 

  5. January 2023 saw the launch of a capital campaign. In June, 2023, Arcadia Project sold the adjacent building at 119 E. Beverley Street to Miller & Associates (now fully renovated and occupied). Proceeds went toward the 1:1 match required for an IRF Grant.

  6. In early August, 2023 the Arcadia Project received a $1,500,000 matching grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for implementation via the Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF). 

  7. In January, 2024, an RFP identified a general contractor, Harman Construction A preconstruction phase followed in June 2024. Building improvements include: a refreshed, repainted exterior, a renovated and rewired marquee, a new rear roof, and removal of mold-infested fixtures and furnishings, selective demolition, installation of temporary work lighting, and capping all plumbing fixtures.

  8. Fall, 2025: value engineering and revisions to scope and specifications were finalized, and a phased approach was adopted. Bridge financing was secured through Virginia Credit Union. Construction for Phase One began in February 2026 and includes the lobby, café, event space, restrooms, and back-of-house areas. Phase Two includes the first-floor movie theater and second-floor classrooms. Ideally we will roll into Phase Two in June 2026 in order to release the remaining matching funds from the IRF.

  9. We anticipate opening our doors early in 2027.

Raising the Money

  1. How much does the project cost?
    The total renovation budget is $3.8M. These figures are based on updated bid numbers received from Harman Construction in mid-December 2025. Our capital stack includes a $1,000,000 construction loan from Virginia Credit Union which we plan to reduce to a $300,000 mortgage by February 2028.

  2. How much have you raised? 
    Since the inception of the Arcadia Project we have raised approximately $3.4 million (not including in- kind donations), some of which was invested in infrastructure improvements, remediation, and building stabilization from 2020 until now. 

  3. How much do you have left to raise?
    Our immediate goal is to raise an additional $350,000 by February 2027 to cover Phase 2 construction, operating expenses and financial commitments. Of this, we hope to raise $250,000 by June 2026 so we can begin work on Phase 2 construction. We have outstanding grant applications to cover $25,000 of the classroom costs. Del. Ellen McLaughlin has sponsored a budget amendment for a $250,000 appropriation  from the Virginia General Assembly. Our goal by February 2028 is an additional $200,000. Beyond that fundraising will be ongoing so that we can operate with sufficient funds and with as little debt as possible.

  4. What will the fundraised money be used for?
    Grants and donations will be used for all the expenses required to renovate and build out the theater.  This includes design, construction, fixtures, and seating, as well as costs related to legal fees, debt service, administration, equipment, staff, and operating capital.

  5. Are there Naming Opportunities?
    Absolutely! Please review our Naming Opportunities document linked here.

  6. If I accept one of the Naming Opportunities, how will my name appear in the building?
    A plaque will be mounted on the wall by the space named in honor of your gift.  All donor names will also appear on our donor wall. For gifts of $10,000 or more, the donor’s name will be incorporated into the signage denoting the space.

  7. What if I don’t have the cash immediately available?
    Some donors have made gifts by moving money within their savings portfolios rather than taking it out of current spending. Our team can also assist you in exploring other options, for example, liquidating or transferring appreciated stock.  You can also direct your Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA as a donation to Arcadia Project. We can also receive multi-year pledges for up to 3 years.

  8. I want to do something, but I cannot give a major gift at this time.
    There are a number of ways for you to participate:
    • Support building renovations with an in-kind gift 
    • Inquire about joining our Board of Directors 
    • Attend our events
    • Volunteer for an event
    • Suggest prospective donors or grant opportunities
    • Share information about Arcadia Project with friends or on social media

Project Viability

  1. Can this project be financially successful in the long term?
    We appreciate that financial sustainability is important to you. It’s also important to the leadership team of the Arcadia Project. Over the last 7 years, we have invested significantly in expert planning. In 2019, Arcadia Project hired Summit Design to conduct a site-specific market study, learning from similar case studies from around the city, state, and region. In 2024, the team completed a thorough business plan accounting for the revenue and programming mix needed to sustain a project of this scale. After receiving a significant state grant, the Board of Directors retained the services of architect Michael Brown to professionally design the space. After completing the capital campaign, we will hire an experienced staff to manage the performing spaces and educational spaces. We are  recruiting an experienced food and beverage professional to run the cafe and coordinate catering and box lunch activities.

  2. How will you cover the ongoing 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.

  3. Will donors have a say in the development or programming?
    While the Arcadia Project would not be possible without the generosity and vision of its supporters, organizational development and programming decisions are currently made by the Board of Directors and the Programming Committee. The Board of Directors will hire a full-time, experienced Executive Director who will lead the creative direction of the theater in concert with the Board, the donors, and the broader community. 

Vision for the Building

  1. What will change in the current building?
    We will be renovating to restore the historic character and footprint of the building while infusing it with modern appeal and conveniences. The old movie theater will remain split into four auditorium spaces (only two on the ground floor will be renovated as part of the current project). When you walk in, you will be greeted by a cafe with seating.   A multi-functional venue for performing arts, classes, and events will be to the right. At the rear of the venue will be a green room and catering kitchen, dressing rooms and new restrooms. At the completion of Phase 2 there will be a movie theater to the left, behind the cafe space.  In addition, there will be two comfortable, welcoming educational classrooms for a range of creative programming. Two ADA restrooms will be added.

  2. What are the plans for the building’s uses?
    This nonprofit community cultural center will be a multi-use space featuring a theater and event spaces, media studios, classes, workshops, and cultural programs.

  3. How long until it’s finished and operational?
    We aim to open the theater building at 125 E. Beverley St. in early 2027.

  4. Are you using sustainable and green building practices?
    We intend to, as much as our local codes and budget allow.

  5. What about parking?
    Between the 1565 parking spots in Staunton, 800 of which are within a 5-minute walk to the theater, our business planning shows that guests will have ample parking for events, particularly in the evenings. And with our wide range of offerings, we can also depend on foot traffic from those who live or are staying in nearby hotels and Mary Baldwin students.

Vision for Community Programming

  1. How will Arcadia Project be different from other arts centers and organizations?
    It will become a flexible, mixed-use space for the Staunton community to create, experience, and perform thought-provoking work in many forms. Designed to adapt to the needs of the groups who use it, the space will support a wide range of artistic, cultural, educational and community activities. It will provide a place to share meaningful experiences while honoring the history of the building and the broader story of our community.

  2. How will this space bring people together beyond Shakespeare and classical music patrons?
    Arcadia will broaden Staunton’s rich cultural landscape through entertainment and educational offerings that go beyond traditional theater and musical productions. Guided by community listening, we will offer programming for all ages and backgrounds, appealing to residents and visitors alike.   Supported by scholarships and partnership programs, we are dedicated to ensuring access to folks of diverse income levels and backgrounds.

  3. Will the community be part of the planning?
    Absolutely! We conducted a community-based survey in 2018 to ascertain unmet cultural needs in Staunton. We continue to consult with art partnership organizations and area artists. Our board of directors includes stakeholders involved in the performing arts. We solicited input from visitors during building-wide tours conducted April – Oct. in 2024 and 2025. We will continue to survey and reach out to the community going forward to make sure we are following the right path. This is a space for and by our community and we desire to reflect their wants and needs.

  4. What types of workshops or classes will you be offering?
    The management team will be making the decisions about programming based on community input. They will invite your opinion and include your requests to help make your idea possible. We will take down your suggestion and keep it for the new Executive Director when they are hired. 

About the Arcadia Project

  1. What is the Arcadia Project?
    We are a local non-profit committed to using arts and culture to build community. Our goal is to transform the (former) “Dixie” Theater— and while honoring its past, broaden its uses as gathering places for all members of the community.

  2. Who is currently making decisions?
    Our current Board of Directors consists of a retired architect, a retired nuclear submarine grant administrator, a retired US tax attorney, a current Assistant State attorney, a mechanical engineer, a retired city planner, a retired executive director of one of the largest and most prestigious international law firms, a civic engagement director at a nearby university, and two local downtown business owners. Our executive director is an Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker.

  3. What is the structure of your organization?
    Arcadia Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Board of Directors is legally and financially responsible. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.

  4. Who is legally and financially responsible?
    The Board of Directors is responsible for legal and financial decisions that affect the Arcadia Project, including this capital campaign.

  5. Who used to own the buildings and what happened to them?
    The Staunton Performing Arts Center (SPAC) championed the redevelopment of the former “Dixie” Theatre for over 15 years. While the support did not develop to bring their vision to fruition, they remain committed to seeing the 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.

  6. What has the Arcadia Project done so far?
    Volunteers refreshed the exterior and emptied the building in preparation for renovation. Professionals renovated and rewired the marquee with LED lighting, replaced the rear roof, remediated mold and asbestos, completed engineering, market, and construction studies. We completed a business plan and feasibility study.  In addition, we hired professionals to develop architectural designs and plans.

  7. What about community outreach?
    Arcadia Project collaborates with organizations, businesses, and artists across Staunton to host creative programming to give a taste of what is to come. In 2022, we produced twelve Music at the Movies events hosted at the Visulite Cinemas. For three years, we’ve hosted the Triwizard Maze during the Queen City Mischief and Magic festival, visited by over 15,000 wizards and muggles each year. In 2025, we hosted 11 ARCADIA Presents  concerts and one theatrical workshop in front of our building during Shop and Dine out Downtown.


    We look forward to connecting with the community in 2026 through our involvement in MADCon brought to you by the Staunton Downtown Development Association, Shop and Dine Out Downtown, and Queen City Mischief and Magic. We are also reaching out to our various cultural collaborators to determine how best we can meet their needs and further our partnerships.