Byrd Theatre raising funds to update its nest

Samantha McCartney
Staff Writer

For the past 83 years, Richmond’s Byrd Theatre has been providing locals and visitors with a one of a kind movie-going experience that only a handful of cities in the country can boast of.

As one of the nation’s Grand Movie Palaces, it shares this title with about 110 other theatres throughout the United States. However, the Byrd is one of few who still fulfills its original purpose as a movie theatre and has been operating since 1928.

Originally named after William Byrd II, a founder of Richmond, the theatre is considered not only a state, but national landmark and has remained mostly unaltered since its opening.

Located in the heart of Carytown, the Byrd stands out among the little boutiques and shops that surround it, seemingly frozen in time.

Despite these attributes, several improvements need to be made to the Byrd Theatre, because of its age and constant operation. For manager of the theatre, Todd Schall-Vess, these changes have been evident for a while now, and restoration couldn’t come at a better time.

“It’s important to understand that this is an older building. Upgrades need to be made,” Schall-Vess said.

To raise money for these renovations, the Byrd Theatre Foundation has launched “Feed the Byrd,” an outreach effort to collect funds for the necessary upgrades.

Though The Byrd Theatre prides itself on staying as original to the French Empire style architecture, as when it was first built, several things have not changed since its construction more than 80 years ago.

A grand set of stairs can be seen leading to a balcony of seats for extra viewing space, much like opera houses in Europe. A giant, genuine crystal chandelier hangs elegantly from the ceiling, and a concession counter like those seen in movies and pictures from decades past provides refreshments for the nightly crowd.

“We received a grant from another foundation and have challenged ourselves to match that money,” Schall-Vess said. He believes that, in addition to the French Film Festival, these renovations could bring a more diverse range of events to the Byrd.

An estimated $5 million is needed to make all of the proper improvements and modernize the Byrd without losing its elegance or historical feel, according to Schall-Vess.

Perhaps the most noticeable aspect needing change for moviegoers is the seats. Many of which still have their original upholstery.

“The seats are kind of uncomfortable which can make it hard to pay attention to the movie sometimes,” local moviegoer Asa Maurer said.

The theatre is open 365 days a year, even during natural disasters, like last year’s Hurricane Irene. However, being open every day causes a lot of wear and tear.

“It’s not only the seats,” Schall-Vess said. “There’s still a mortgage to be paid for, electrical wiring that needs to be updated, and the bathrooms could use an upgrade as well.”

These improvements are not just needed for the appearance of the Byrd Theatre but also for its historical preservation.

“Restoration and improvements are much needed,” said Richmond native Courtney Blondino, “but I would still love to see its historical essence preserved.”