Northwest Neighborhoods CDC Hires New Manager for the Capitol Theatre

Northwest Neighborhoods CDC (NWN), owner of the historic Capitol Theatre in Gordon Square, has partnered with Arthouse Management LLC to lead the theatre’s operations beginning July 31.

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Like many independent cinemas nationwide, the Capitol Theatre has faced sustained challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, including shifting moviegoing habits, declining attendance, and fewer studio films across the industry. This transition marks a strategic move to stabilize operations and position the theatre for long-term success.

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“We’re excited to welcome Arthouse Management LLC as a partner in shaping the Capitol’s next chapter,” said Anna Perlmutter, Board President of NWN. “This collaboration brings new energy and expertise while staying rooted in the community that makes this theatre so special.”

 

“The Capitol reminds us why we got into this work,” said Chris Escobar of Arthouse Management, which has been responsible for successfully reviving other historic movie theatres like the Plaza and the Tara in Atlanta, GA. “Historic theatres like this are cultural anchors. Our job is to honor that legacy while making sure the Capitol remains relevant and accessible for today’s audiences.”

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In May 2025, the NWN Board of Directors established the Capitol Theatre Stewardship Board to guide the theatre’s future. The board was charged with setting strategic priorities that strengthen financial sustainability while reinforcing the Capitol’s role as a neighborhood-centered asset.

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“The Stewardship Board gave us the space to step back, listen, and think long-term,” Perlmutter said. “This transition really grew out of those conversations, reflection, and input about what the Capitol could be moving forward.”

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Community input has been central to the process. The Stewardship Board hosted an open house and conducted an online survey that drew hundreds of responses. Feedback made clear that residents value the Capitol deeply and want to see it thrive as an accessible, resident-centered space.

 

“We heard loud and clear that people love the Capitol and want more ways to engage with it,” said Nina Holzer, Chair of the Capitol Theatre Stewardship Board. “That means expanded programming, more events, and a space that reflects the energy of the neighborhood.”

In the coming months, the Capitol Theatre will introduce new initiatives to deepen community engagement and better align programming with neighborhood priorities. Plans include expanded partnerships with local nonprofits, small businesses, artists, and cultural organizations, broadening the range of events and experiences offered. 

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“We’re honored to be part of the Capitol’s next chapter,” said Mike Spaeth of Arthouse Management. “In the near term, we’ll focus on expanding the Capitol’s film programming to include more independent and international cinema while maintaining the classics and new releases audiences love. We’ll also explore partnerships with local arts organizations to make the Capitol an even more vital gathering place for Cleveland’s West Side.”

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These efforts will reinforce the Capitol’s role not only as a movie theatre, but as a collaborative cultural hub supporting the continued vitality of the Gordon Square Arts District.

“This isn’t just about movies,” said Akshay Kalra, NWN’s Economic Development Coordinator. “It’s about creating a space where people gather, connect, and experience their neighborhood together. That’s what will make the Capitol sustainable.”

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First opened more than a century ago and restored in 2009, the Capitol Theatre remains Cleveland’s oldest operating cinema, and the only movie theatre serving the city’s West Side.

Since the reopening in 2009, NWN partnered with Cleveland Cinemas to operate the theatre. NWN extends its sincere appreciation for Cleveland Cinemas’ longstanding stewardship and contributions to the Capitol and its audiences.

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“We are deeply grateful to Cleveland Cinemas for their years of partnership and care for the Capitol,” said Bridget Kent Márquez, NWN Executive Director. “They helped sustain this theatre through many stages of growth, and we appreciate everything they’ve contributed to its legacy.”

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NWN remains committed to the continued restoration and revitalization of the Capitol Theatre as a cornerstone of the Gordon Square Arts District.

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“The Capitol is more than a theatre; it’s a cultural anchor for the West Side,” Perlmutter said. “This next phase is about building on that legacy and making sure that the Capitol remains an important part of our neighborhood life for future generations.”

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With a new structure, more diverse programming, and expanded partnerships, NWN is positioning the Capitol Theatre to remain a vital cultural hub for Cleveland’s West Side for years to come.

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“In looking back at the Capitol’s early history, I came across a line that still rings true today: ‘come and bring a friend and help a good thing along,’ said Kent Márquez. “That spirit feels just as relevant now. This is a moment for the community to show up, bring others with them, and help move the Capitol forward.”

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As part of this transition, Arthouse Management LLC will be hiring a new Operations Director for the Capitol Theatre. When the job description is available, it can be viewed at capitoltheatrecleveland/careers.