West Shore Theatre Renovations / Chris Dawson Architect

The 4,680sf West Shore Theatre was a classic single screen Streamlined Art Moderne style theatre in the heart of downtown New Cumberland and has now been transformed into a flexible venue that can accommodate a variety of events from movies to concerts to private events. It is named the West Shore Theatre because it is on the west shore of the Susquehanna River, across from Harrisburg and an institution within the community. As New Cumberland is being revitalized the Theatre is at the heart of these efforts.

The West Shore Theatre opened on January 20, 1940 with the movie “The Secret Life of Dr Kildare” and admission of 25 cents for adults, 15 cents for children. Interior wall coverings were in an old rose shade with beautiful gold ornamentation above a wood wainscot that were retained in the renovations. The auditorium is furnished with wood veneer paneling on the side and rear walls with a new concessions stand and accessible restrooms finished in maple acoustic wood panels. The new Theatre concept includes a high-top seating area at the rear and booth seating along the edges to complement traditional auditorium seating all focused on an enlarged stage. The project reflects CDA’s passion for revitalizing historic buildings with a skill for striking balance between preserving unique details & expressing the 21st century program.

Video by Wonderscope
www.wonderscopecinema.com