North Park Theatre — 100 Year Restoration

SPECIAL NOTE: The North Park Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Please contact us if you need further information for tax purposes.
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UPDATE:

As you are probably aware, we have halted all screenings to help New York State fight the spread of COVID-19.

We know this is a difficult time, but we sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Your support helps us care for staff during this unexpected hiatus and ensures a vibrant slate of film programming when we reopen later this year.

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UPDATE:

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU... but we're not done yet!

We still need to raise $4,000 before the end of August to finish our exterior restoration.

Thanks to your help, our lobby looks more beautiful than we ever thought possible.

But our exterior requires more work than we initially budgeted for. If we can't raise the funds this season, it might never happen...!

Please contribute what you can, and share with anyone you know who might be able to help.

Thanks again!




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Help us bring back history!

Back in May 2013, the team here at the North Park Theatre undertook one of the most exciting restoration projects in Buffalo history.

After a year's work, the marquee shone brighter, our murals popped like they hadn't in decades, and we revealed a stained glass window that was hiding behind a wall for the better part of a century. 

But we weren't done.

Now, just a short time before the North Park's centennial, we ask our friends, our customers, and the entire WNY community to help finish what we started.

With your generous assistance, we will uncover this theatre's last remaining wonder - a sight unseen for 70 years!
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DONATION TIER REWARDS:

(As the North Park Theatre is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit cinema, all donations are tax deductible.)

$100:

● 2 passes for any film
● Exclusive 100 Year Restoration email updates

$500:

● 5 passes for any film
● Your name(s) on our pre-show slides for a year
● Exclusive 100 Year Restoration email updates

$1,000:

● 10 passes for any film
● Your name(s) on our pre-show slides for a year
● Exclusive 100 Year Restoration email updates

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First of all, thank you.

Thank you for every ticket you purchased, every encouraging note you've sent, every photo you've shared.

Since reopening back in 2014, we have been overwhelmed by the deep love and support you have sent our way, and you've helped us become a cinema Buffalo can be proud of.

Now it's time to go one step further.

2020 will mark 100 years since our original owner, Michael Shea, first opened our doors. As Shea's successors, it is our responsibility both to preserve this historical treasure for the next 100, and to help the theatre grow and adapt to our rapidly changing times.

Not so easy!

Here's where you come in:

Over the next few months, we need to raise $15,000 to finish our long-planned architectural restoration that will return the North Park Theatre to its 1920s glory.

We have been quietly raising funds over the past few years, but to stay on schedule, we require this one final push.

Here's what needs to happen THIS COMING YEAR:




1. A major restoration of the stone wall above the marquee.

This job is essential, and more than a little urgent!

98 Buffalo winters have worn away Shea's original masonwork, leaving our facade a crumbly mess.

Hardly postcard-perfect — and a potential hazard for the stained glass below — we don't know if our front wall can take another winter.

Our plan is to fix any damaged stone, return the two stone "crowns" back to either side, restore the original 1920s masonry, clean up all weather stains, and future-proof our work for future generations.



2. A thorough restoration of our historic marble lobby.

UPDATE: DONE!

When we reopened in 2014, our newly uncovered lobby floor tiles took many people by surprise — including us!

During our year-long restoration, we never had a chance to pay our lobby floor the attention it deserved. This is our one chance to make it shine.



3. One last, stunning reveal of a hidden North Park treasure.

UPDATE: DONE! Our lobby now looks more beautiful than ever!

The outside restoration is crucial, but this is where the magic will happen!

We won't go into details here, only to say that when you see it, you'll go "wow".

If we are lucky enough to raise enough funds, this final step in our restoration blueprint will solidify the North Park's status as one of Buffalo's finest architectural treasures, and one of the most impressive cinemas of its kind in the world.

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As Buffalo's only 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit cinema, we are relying on your support to make all of this happen in THIS coming year.

If you have friends or family members who you think might be able to help, please send them our way.

It's now or never!

Thanks again.


The North Park Theatre Team