Milestone for theater restoration in St. James

Community leaders, elected officials, artists, volunteers and residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week that marked a significant milestone in the historic Calderone Theatre in St. James.

The Calderone is the new home of the Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts, which will serve the community through arts programming, education, exhibitions, performances, and inclusive opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Representatives of the Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company, which has an ongoing partnership with Celebrate St. James, also attended the event.

The Calderone Theatre has served the St. James community as a vaudeville theater, movie house, gathering place, office space, and retail location. Today, it is being restored and reimagined as the Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts, a welcoming cultural hub where visual arts, theater, music, education, and community programming can flourish under one roof.

Last year, a $211,300 grant from the Gardiner Foundation funded phase one improvements, including a new metal roof designed to support future solar installation and the stabilization and exposure of the theater’s original stage. The second phase of construction is scheduled to begin in August and will focus on additional enhancements that continue to improve the theater’s functionality, accessibility, and visitor experience.

The planned construction enhancements include air conditioning, new restrooms, improved entryways, upgraded seating through the naming and dedication chair campaign, the St. James Railroad Station diorama, and additional stage infrastructure.