News - Local News

POSTED: Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009

Bellingham developer donates $100,000 to Pickford Film Center

BELLINGHAM - Developer Bob Hall has given $100,000 to the project to build the new Pickford Film Center, a gift that edges the project closer to completion.

The announced donation comes on the heels of a Rotary Club of Bellingham agreement to raise what could be as much as $100,000 for the same effort.

Alice Clark, executive director of Pickford Film Center, said Hall's donation will help give the Pickford added credibility with would-be donors.

The nonprofit has raised about 75 percent of its goal of $3 million for the project.

The building at 1318 Bay St., which is more than 100 years old, is being renovated and turned into an entertainment center.

When completed, the new Pickford Film Center will have two theaters - one that seats 90 people and another that seats 145 - with better sight lines, more comfortable seats and state-of-the-art sound and projection.

The center's other offerings will include a café, a space for meetings, central lobby for arts events and a larger concession area that will serve up food, beer and wine.

Renovations and the fundraising campaign began in 2005.

Hall is a big presence in downtown Bellingham, where he owns about 500,000 square feet of building space. He said the contribution is in line with his vision of a strong downtown.

"Downtown Bellingham will continue to attract more residents and visitors by offering quality entertainment in an historic, attractive environment," he said in a news release.

The new center has a tentative completion date for this winter if the remaining dollars can be raised.

The Pickford Film Center, formerly known as Whatcom Film Association, also runs the existing theater - The Pickford Cinema - at 1416 Cornwall Ave.

JOIN THE PICKFORD

The Pickford Film Center has started its annual summer membership drive, hoping to add another 100 to the 2,000 members it already has.

Memberships begin at $30. Members receive discounted ticket prices to all shows, popcorn for less or free, and the monthly Pickford Film Calendar.

Through Aug. 14, new or renewing members will be entered for a giveaway of a new Electra "Townie" bicycle donated by Fairhaven Bike & Ski.

The winner will be announced at the Aug. 14 Bellingham Bike-In, an outdoor cinema celebration on Bay Street near the new Pickford Film Center building under construction.

Join by going online to pickfordfilmcenter.org/membership; at the Pickford box office, 1416 Cornwall Ave.; or by mailing in membership forms found in the July Film Calendar, which have been distributed at locations around town.

Learn more by calling 647-1300.