In our effort to develop the optimal solution for the Park Theater, TPTT looked at various operating models of small community cinemas around the Bay area and the country. This research has determined that for Lafayette, success and sustainability is achievable via a partnership between a nonprofit owning the Park to protect it for future generations, and then leasing it to a for-profit operator who will offer movies but also develop a robust calendar of diversified programming that attracts multigenerational interest and participation. It was also learned that in many cases, multiple screens presented the stronger path to sustainability, so the plan is to reconfigure the Park’s interior to incorporate two screens with floor plans flexible enough to showcase the diverse programming envisioned. A commercial kitchen and rooftop terrace are also part of the vision.

We’ve done a lot of homework…
And just what is the definition of “mission-driven” ?
The re-opened Park Theater needs to be sustainable, and for that to happen in Lafayette, research pointed to an experienced, professional operator. However, the goal of TPTT, in addition to sustainability for the theater (and therefore additional success for arts and culture in Lafayette), was to find an operator who would listen and respond to our community– with curated programming, job training, job opportunities, and responsibility.