City lease aims to reopen downtown movie theater; operator to pay utilities and 50 cents per ticket

The Charleston Finance Committee on March 16 approved a lease intended to return the downtown movie theater at 600 Washington Street East to operation.

City staff described a one-year lease with two optional one-year renewals that will let the Greater Charleston Theater Company take over management and operations. "In exchange for this lease agreement, the Greater Charleston Theatre Company will take over payment of all utilities," staff said, adding, "In addition, we'll provide 50¢ to the city for every ticket sold. We'll be able to audit those sales through the bookkeeping that they're required to keep." The committee approved the resolution by voice vote.

Staff said the operator plans to run first-run films in nine theaters and keep two screens available for private events and other programming. The agreement was drafted in consultation with the city attorney and has been reviewed by operations staff and prospective operators. Staff noted minor upgrades and cleaning are planned prior to reopening.

Committee members expressed support: the chair said he hopes it works out and thanked the prospective operators for taking the risk. Another committee member noted the West Virginia International Film Festival's prior use of the venue showed community demand and helped demonstrate viability.

The measure passed without recorded amendment. Next steps identified in the meeting record include final contract execution and completion of minor facility upgrades prior to opening.