Second acts: adaptive reuse for American theaters and cinemas

The performance of theater and film is universal and a reflection of society, used to steer social climate and facilitate self-awareness. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cinemas and theaters temporarily closed, halting social and community interaction. The industry must take on a new model - investing in the reuse and renovation of existing assets to spur regional redevelopment. The Central Park Theater has been the centerpiece of arts and culture in North Lawndale since 1917. One of the most historically significant movie palaces in the United States, the theater is one of the first of its kind and became a model for buildings of its type to follow. Today, despite its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Central Park’s future has been uncertain. Second Acts is a Regional Revitalization Center focused on the revival of the urban environment through performance and new business to improve upon regional awareness and regional culture. By emphasizing interaction between its users and their environment and creating a business investment that makes use of existing assets to yield revenue at a local level, Second Acts benefits the community and contributes to its sound redevelopment, showcasing what the area could become.