The Picture House

This project is the preservation and interior renovation of the historic Pelham Picture House.  Built in 1921 as a silent movie theater, it survived for 80 years as a single screen venue without being subdivided into a multiplex as has been the fate of most other theaters of that era.  Facing declining usage in the 80's and 90's, it came close to being sold, demolished and replaced by a bank.   A number of Pelham residents, with great affection for the Picture House as a local icon and as one of the few remaining movie theaters from the early 1920's still in use, banded together and raised enough money to purchase the property and save it from the wrecking ball.  A vision emerged that the Pelham Picture House could be preserved and given new life as a regional film center presenting documentaries, foreign films and "art house" programming along with becoming a center of film education for the area's young people.  The long-range plan is to add two theaters and an educational space onto the existing structure.  As a first step in the transformation of the Picture House, this project preserves and renovates the existing 1921 building.   The preservation aspect of the project involved removing layers of fabric and finishes that had been added over the years, covering nearly all of the original architectural detail.  Brick piers, original windows with plaster trim, decorative wood detailing were all uncovered, restored and left exposed.  The Lobby's low suspended ceiling was demolished to expose the original plaster vaulted ceiling which was restored and featured with new lighting.  During demolition we were able to evaluate what was being uncovered and re-created the original 1921 design in plan, section and interior renderings; including the silent movie screen and organ pit which were both still there but hidden from view.   The renovation aspect of the project involved a complete modernization of the theater with comfortable rocker seats, acoustical wall and ceiling panels, new lighting, a sprinkler system, life safety upgrades and accessibility upgrades.  A community stage, suitable for performances, lectures and panel discussions fills the front of the theater under the screen.  And the up-front areas of the building were fully renovated to include new accessible bathrooms, a larger lobby, a new concessions area and a multi-purpose room for educational programs and screenings.