Trust moves toward Downtown theater

Complex would be located on Sixth Street

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust officials are taking another step in their quest to bring a first-run movie theater to Downtown.

The trust has sent out a survey to patrons on its email database and others seeking their help in evaluating plans for the cineplex, which would be located in the former Bally Total Fitness Club building on Sixth Street next to the Renaissance Hotel.

In the latest proposal, the trust is considering a four- to six- screen theater that would show first-run major films. There also are plans for a restaurant/bar and potentially a convertible space for showing live theater performances. The Post-Gazette first reported on the trust’s interest in the cineplex in May 2015.

Kevin McMahon, the trust’s president and CEO, said all but one of the theaters would be in the 100seat range. The one that could be used for live theater could seat 200 to 300.

“We are seriously considering this. We think it would be a great addition to Downtown and, of course, to the cultural district,” he said.

Mr. McMahon said the theater’s cost is estimated in the $10 million to $12 million range — money the trust must find to move forward with the project. The trust owns the Bally building, which originally was built as a playhouse.

“Without question we think it’s a great idea. We’re certainly trying to pursue it. However, the cultural trust is a very careful organization. We’re not going to do anything until we feel confident that we have the proper financing to go forward,” he said.

Among other things, the survey asks participants about their overall reaction to the theater plan; how many times they would use it over 12 months; and what they would expect to pay for a ticket on a scale ranging from $10 to $20 or more.

Mr. McMahon said the trust has received positive feedback from