The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Amherst Cinema remodeling during coronavirus closure
The Amherst Cinema is currently closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, but the movie theater is taking advantage of the time to undergo some remodeling.
“We are really taking the time to renovate the space,” said Chris Russo, owner of the cinema located at 260 Church St. “We are, among other things, renovating the bathrooms. Folks who have been to the cinema know that those need more of a modern look and upgrade.
“We are also putting in some new carpeting and lights on the walkways, and there are some signage upgrades that are being made as well.”
Russo said the cinema has been in Amherst for decades.
“We bought the cinema in October of last year,” he said. “There has been a cinema here in Amherst for 60 years. When we painted the outside, we prepped the walls and we could see the layers of maroon and purple that used to cover the outside.
“We wanted to modernize the look outside with something that matched the Amherst Comets and the Brew Kettle (which Russo also owns) next door.”
Russo said the Amherst Cinema is also taking the time to design a new website.
“We are adding in the option to buy gift cards,” he said. “That was a requested addition for folks and that will be purchasable on the site. We are also tied into Fandango. People will be able to buy tickets for the cinema on our website, through Fandango and in-person.”
Russo said the cinema will look different for patrons.
“The inside will be different as well with new fixtures and a new floor being put down,” he said. “We are painting the lobby. It’s really going to improve and modernize a lot about the building.”
Russo said the issue with the theater closing is not an inability to accommodate for the COVID-19 safety protocols.
“It’s really the lack of content, and more movies are being pushed back to 2021 by the day,” he said. “We had a good lineup for July 24, but that all got pushed.”
Russo said he also doesn’t think it’s a good idea to put older movies in the theater during this time.
“I know theaters are doing that right now, but it doesn’t make sense for us,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to do reruns and B-roll. The template for this cinema is really the family-friendly atmosphere, and there is really nothing coming out right now, so it’s a good time to get the work done.”
Visit the cinema’s Facebook page for updates.