MANLIUS, N.Y. (NCC News) — For 105 years the Manlius Cinema has operated independently showcasing all varieties of films and become a destination for Central New York’s cinephiles. Now it’s undergoing some major changes but still maintaining its arthouse spirit.
When Dan Chapman and Joe Ori bought the cinema from its previous owners of 30 years, Eileen Lowell and Nat Tobin, they began to bring in a larger variety of films and started to update the facilities.
Currently the building has received a new coat of paint inside and outside, updated restrooms, a new concessions stand, and the ability for patrons to purchase beer on tap. Operations Manager Derek Walter says these are part of a two phase program.
“This is really just phase one of a larger remodel which we are going to do next year. We’ll be getting in a new marquee. We got new poster boxes to give a little more visibility as people are driving by. We’ve had really generous support from [Village of Manlius] Mayor Whorall and Ryan McMahon at the County Level,” said Walter.
Along with a new marquee planned in the second phase is also a seating upgrade inside the theater. Walter hopes these will help encourage more accessibility in the theater and also bring the experience on par with other larger theaters.
For the theater though Walter views the work on it as stewardship to help honor the theater’s arthouse roots while also making the theater a welcoming place for all.
“We just want to pay homage to that and the 105 years that this cinema has stood here and bring it into the next phase. Whatever shape that may take,” he said.