From Paul Doyle, founder and proprietor of Seattle’s coolest neighborhood theater:
It seems hard to believe, but five years ago, May 7, 2004, Columbia City Cinema opened its doors. It was a Friday, we played Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, townhouses were still selling, and eighty excited people showed up. Hardly anyone thought we would last five years but here we are, still making a buzz in southeast Seattle.
We’ve got three screens now and a lot of loyal fans and have become a permanent member of the Columbia City family. Along the way, we’ve had a lot of help. We almost didn’t get open and generous supporters stepped forward, we almost closed and more generous supporters stepped forward, we couldn’t pay the rent and you bought bogus stock and faux real estate to keep us going.
Recently, another meltdown when construction debt threatened to sink us, the city said they couldn’t help and you weren’t shy about telling them you thought they should. Seeing your support they finally did. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! So now, with a small bridge loan assured, we’re resting, catching our breath, waiting for the next chapter of the little cinema that could, pretty sure it’s going to be exciting.
We’ll be serving Birthday cake and sparkling cider in the lobby on Thursday-Friday too if there’s any left. Thank you again for making our little neighborhood hot spot the Cinema Miraculous. We’re looking forward to the next five years with the best customers in the world.
Our anniversary also coincides with the date the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund loan closes. We had an almost festive meeting this week working out the final details. Thank you Rainier Valley Community Development Fund for the best birthday present ever. Director Martina Guilfoil and Loan Officer Greg Anderson really came forward to support the cinema when it counted, arguing our case in front of a tough loan committee and an even tougher board and got results. We seldom give the Double Popcorn Award but they deserve it.
Columbia City Cinema is located at 4816 Rainier Avenue South. Go here to see what’s playing. Photo/do communications, inc.
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Sweet, only been there once but it is a cool little spot.
Just for the record let us not forget to thank the Friends of Columbia City Cinema headed up by Hillman City’s Connie Cox without which I fear the generous supporters would have had nothing to save. A lot of community effort went into Paul’s endeavor before the doors actually opened for business.
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