REIMAGINING THE DENIS:
An Update from DTF President Jon Delano
Welcome to the first newsletter of the Denis Theatre Foundation (“DTF”) as we begin our collaboration with the owner/developer of Row House Cinema to rebuild and reopen the historic Denis Theatre in Uptown Mt. Lebanon. In this periodic newsletter, we will give updates on our progress, along with both program and film information that you may find interesting. We encourage you to share your thoughts on what information and stories interest you by contacting us by email at info@denistheatre.org.
WHERE WE STAND!
Late last year, the DTF board of directors signed a memorandum of understanding with Brian Mendelssohn, the owner/developer of Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. While we owe a great debt to the original board members and early supporters for “saving” The Denis a decade ago, we concluded that the DTF did not have the capability of building and operating a theater by itself. We need a partner with theater expertise to develop and manage The Denis of the future.
We concluded that it’s time to “fish or cut bait.” This is our best chance to raise the money needed to complete this project with support from community members, foundations, companies, government, and bank financing. It is up to the residents of this region to decide whether the South Hills wants a high-quality destination theater in Uptown Mt. Lebanon with all that this brings to our local economy.
With Brian and Row House, we have a partner with the expertise to both build and operate a theater that will attract people from all over the region. Brian recently acquired the Hollywood Theater in Dormont with its unique audience. He hopes to reopen the Hollywood sometime in 2025, as part of his overall commitment to the South Hills.
THE VISION!
The Denis will be very different from the Hollywood. Under a long-term lease with DTF, Row House will operate a 3-screen theater at The Denis — one with 250 seats and two with 90 seats. The Denis will also have a bar, restaurant, and a community room. We envision a unique destination theater offering feature films, independent films, and classic films of yesteryear.
DTF will continue to own the building on behalf of the community and will run special film and non-film programs focused on our mission of serving the youth, families, and seniors in the area. The Denis will provide programming for those with special needs as we did with our successful pre-Covid program, "Meet Me at the Movies." Our community room and theaters will also be available to all individuals and groups in the community for discussions, lectures, and small selected arts performances.
Brian plans a destination unlike any other in the Pittsburgh region. It’s an exciting prospect!
THE MONEY!
To reopen a new Denis Theater will require substantial funding from a variety of sources. To move this project ahead, we need pledges from individuals — no cash until we know we can move ahead. We have already obtained nearly $200,000 in pledges, and Brian has committed $750,000 for state-of-the-art equipment and pre-opening setup expenses at The Denis. Our goal is to secure individual pledges in 2025 totaling an additional $1 million to $2 million.
At the same time, we have been working to secure government funding, corporate and business support, and bank financing supported by anticipated revenue and guaranteed by Brian Mendelssohn. We are also deeply appreciative of the support we have received to date from PA Sen. Wayne Fontana, PA Rep. Dan Miller, and Mt. Lebanon Commissioners Andrew Flynn, Craig Grella, Jeff Siegler, Steve Silverman, and Anne Swager Wilson.
Some ask about the funds raised to date. After fundraising costs — the early boards hired professionals to help them get started — the DTF raised $1.6 million. Much of that money was spent to purchase the building (with a mortgage), clear out all the old seats and structures in the building, remediate the building and roof, maintain everything to code, conduct initial architectural work, and pay expected fees.
Of course, we have also had monthly operational expenses — mortgage payments, insurance, maintenance expenses, and, yes, even a bill for keeping the sidewalks clear of snow! That leaves a current balance of approximately $400,000 for design/construction and this year's operating expenses.
If you can spare $25, $50, or $100 for these operational costs, we are very grateful. To make a contribution, click here.
If you are willing to consider a pledge, please contact Jon Delano, DTF President, so we can discuss this with you. Email Jon at info@denistheatre.org. No matter how you support the Denis, we thank you!
THE TIMETABLE!
When might The Denis Theatre reopen in Mt. Lebanon? That depends on how successful we are at getting pledges from individuals and institutional fundraising commitments in 2025. Once we have raised sufficient funds to justify ground-breaking, Brian estimates 22 months to complete the project. Could a new 3-screen Denis Theatre be opened in late 2027? That really depends on support from you and others.
-Jon Delano, The Denis Theatre Foundation Board President
