The local movie theater and non-profit that’s been in the community for more than 50 years is getting a few upgrades next year — one of which is a nifty rooftop bar.
The Loft Cinema’s new design will have three screens on the ground floor (there’s currently a screen upstairs in the main building). The new “screen two” will be next to “screen three” which is just east of the main building.
Executive director Peggy Johnson shared that the budget for the new design is $3 million, and the non-profit theater is still looking to raise more than a million of that money. If you’re interested in donating to the new construction, you can do so online.
The empty space between the buildings will be a brand-new building that connects the two. Out here is where the new “open air cinema” will be located along with a seating area on artificial turf, new restrooms, and a rooftop bar — you’ll be able to see the outdoor movie screen from the bar.
The outdoor screen is in an area that’ll always be shaded from the afternoon sun. Johnson shared with KGUN9 that they’ll “broadcast the sound for the film through an FM signal and people have headsets. So, you’re getting really good quality sound right next to your ear, with no Speedway traffic. And it doesn’t bleed into the neighborhood, so we can have late movies.”
Also, the lobby and box office area will go under construction so that there’s more space for concessions — the line for food and drinks is usually stretched out to the parking lot on busy nights. The existing lobby will be turned into a lounge area for folks to enjoy their edibles before and after a film.
Construction is expected to start in March 2024 and then take about nine to 12 months to be completed.
The Loft Cinema is located at 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, visit loftcinema.org.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
