The Byrd Theatre Foundation

Restoration and improvements to the theatre:listed on the state and national registers of historic landmarks, the byrd theatre opened ninety-six years ago on december 24, 1928. It has remained operational and nearly unchanged since the day construction was completed. In 2011, the byrd theatre foundation launched a bold initiative to raise the first $1,800,000 for phase one restoration projects, mortgage reduction and capacity building. Significant achivements included replacement of the roof, replacements of the theatre's heating and cooling systems, installation of a digital server, installation of a new state-of-the-art 4k projector, ongoing maintenance and repairs on the mighty wurlitzer orgran. More recent work has included repair and restoration of the theatre's plasterwork, installation of a point-of-sale system at the theatre, replacemnet of the theatre's center section of seats in the main auditorium, creation of a wheelchair accessible seating area and construction of an ada family restroom on the first floor of the theatre. This past year, the foundation raised the necessary funds and replacaed its hvac chiller unit as well as installing a new building automation system controls which will be used to control the heating and cooling system remotely.

Evolving the byrd as a center for film, film literacy, and program expansion:the foundation has worked hard to expand its audience reach. To achieve this goal, the foundation has partnered with multiple film festivals as the host venue, including the richmond international film festival and the richmond animation festival. Each film festival brings in hundreds of patrons to the theatre each year. During the past year, the foundation successfully completed a contract with an architectural firm that produced a mechanical, engineering, and plumbing report and a concept and feasibility study, both of which will be used to rehabilitate the theatre. And, finally, the theatre has continued to collaborate with the carytown merchants association to program activities for the community.