One of Bellingham’s three movie theaters won’t be reopening because of COVID-19
One of Bellingham’s movie theaters won’t emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pickford Film Center announced that it will not reopen the Limelight Theater at 1416 Cornwall Ave., near Pure Bliss Desserts. Pickford Executive Director Susie Purves said they determined the space is just too small and ventilation issues too challenging to make it work as we emerge from the global pandemic.
Pickford’s flagship theater at 1318 Bay St. is ready to reopen when it is given the go-ahead by state officials. Under Washington’s Safe Start program, movie theaters are allowed to reopen in limited capacity in Phase 3. Whatcom County is currently in Phase 2.
Bellingham’s third movie theater, the Regal Cinemas in the Barkley district, is also expected to remain closed until Whatcom makes it to Phase 3.
Purves said the owners of Daylight Properties, which owns the building that houses the Limelight, have been tremendous supporters over the years and they hope to one day revive the Limelight in a different space, possibly in downtown Bellingham. Having a third movie screen is important to Pickford, not just in terms of revenue for the non-profit organization but in terms of attracting distributors to show independent films.
Pickford’s Bay Street theater has gone through renovations of its ventilation system to ensure the safety of its members when Whatcom County makes it to Phase 3. Purves said they would be able to swing into action quickly on reopening on Bay Street theater.
“The big question is what films will be available,” said Purves, noting that independent film companies have been impacted by the pandemic, perhaps more so than the mainstream film companies.
Not being able to show films in its theaters since March has clearly been painful for the organization, but Purves said they’ve received an enormous amount of support from the community, saying they’ve received more than 1,000 donations over the summer.
The organization has also pivoted by offering a virtual screening room. Film fans can buy a ticket to films not otherwise available and watch it on their own television. This virtual screening room will be in place for its upcoming “Doctober” where Pickford will show more than 20 documentaries. It’s a popular event that 15,000 attended last year. Opening night for “Doctober” is Friday, Oct. 9; details can be found on its website.
The Limelight was the Pickford’s original theater when it opened in November 1998, according to The Bellingham Herald archives. It was remodeled and renamed the Limelight in 2011 with about 75 seats after the Bay Street theater opened. The name comes from a Charlie Chaplin classic film, “Limelight.”
This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 12:40 PM.
