The Salt Lake Film Society has unveiled a vision to transform the historic Tower Theatre into a community hub dedicated to unique film screenings and exhibits. According to an undated notice on the organization's website, the project aims to reimagine independent cinema for the next century while focusing on environmental sustainability and accessibility.
The renovation plans for the 1928 building include the restoration of the original east masonry tower. The west tower, which was lost during renovations in the 1950s, is intended to be reimagined as a digital canvas for cinematic projections. The project also seeks to install the original 1950s neon sign and terracotta tile on the east side of the building.
New additions to the footprint include a sky level that will house three microcinemas to expand education, archive, and cinema access programs. This level will also feature a motion picture cinema exhibit space with rotating exhibits. To support diverse programming, the theater plans to offer 35mm, 70mm, and DCP digital projection, while continuing to maintain the area's largest video/DVD archive.
The Salt Lake Film Society intends for the Tower to be the first cinema in the United States to attempt net-zero status by partnering with the International Living Building Challenge. The organization is also pursuing innovative accessibility features, including conditions for sensory and various disability screenings and access to the projection booth.
Donors contributing over $50 to the campaign will receive a vote toward permanently naming the theater's first microcinema. The organization is seeking community involvement to help realize the vision of a safe haven for diverse experiences and storytelling.
The Tower Theatre was built in 1928 by Samuel Campbell, who designed the cinema fortress with twin masonry turrets inspired by the Tower of London. The building has served various roles, including becoming one of Utah's first sound film venues in the 1930s and a Sundance venue in 1992. Following a pandemic-related closure in 2020, the Salt Lake Film Society purchased the building on December 28, 2023, after nearly two years of fundraising supported by the Alternative Visions Fund. Tori A. Baker, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Film Society, stated that restoring the building is an act of love for the city and a place for the community to gather.
The organization has set a target to reopen the Tower Theatre for its centennial anniversary in 2028.
