New owners of the Majestic Theatre outline restoration timeline, fundraising options
September 03, 2026 | Benicia City, Solano County, California
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The Benicia Arts & Culture Commission heard on Sept. 3 that ownership of the Majestic Theatre has transferred to Alicia and Brandon Brewster, and that the Benicia Community Foundation will help establish a Friends of the Majestic Theater Fund to support operations and programming.
A representative of the Benicia Community Foundation said the fund will support performing arts activities and community partnerships. The new owner, introduced during public comment, said: "I'm here today as the new owner of the Majestic Theater." She described goals to “preserve its historic beauty while creating a community event space for Benicia through movies, live music, performing arts, and student opportunities.”
During questions from commissioners and members of the public, the new owner said there is no firm reopening date but a one-year target is realistic. She outlined immediate priorities: resolving a red-tag status, completing HVAC work, coordinating electrical work with PG&E, and finishing restroom renovations. "Best case scenario, 6 months, but realistically, I'm thinking" (timeline not specified) she said.
The owner explained two donation methods: tax-deductible gifts through the community foundation’s Friends fund and direct donations via the venue’s operating LLC, which are not tax deductible. Commissioners and community members encouraged the owners to return with regular updates and the commission offered to agendize a fuller presentation.
The commission did not take any formal funding action at the meeting; the presentation was informational and solicited future coordination with city staff and arts groups.
A representative of the Benicia Community Foundation said the fund will support performing arts activities and community partnerships. The new owner, introduced during public comment, said: "I'm here today as the new owner of the Majestic Theater." She described goals to “preserve its historic beauty while creating a community event space for Benicia through movies, live music, performing arts, and student opportunities.”
During questions from commissioners and members of the public, the new owner said there is no firm reopening date but a one-year target is realistic. She outlined immediate priorities: resolving a red-tag status, completing HVAC work, coordinating electrical work with PG&E, and finishing restroom renovations. "Best case scenario, 6 months, but realistically, I'm thinking" (timeline not specified) she said.
The owner explained two donation methods: tax-deductible gifts through the community foundation’s Friends fund and direct donations via the venue’s operating LLC, which are not tax deductible. Commissioners and community members encouraged the owners to return with regular updates and the commission offered to agendize a fuller presentation.
The commission did not take any formal funding action at the meeting; the presentation was informational and solicited future coordination with city staff and arts groups.
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