Smith Mountain Lake Business Showcase

The Smith Mountain Lake Center, Inc.

SML Business Directory > Community Organizations & Nonprofits

Reimagining Westlake Cinema as a year-round community hub, the SML Center is leading efforts to create a vibrant destination for education, entertainment and events at Smith Mountain Lake.

Transforming Westlake Cinema Into a Year-Round Community Center at Smith Mountain Lake

A familiar landmark at Smith Mountain Lake is poised for an exciting new chapter.

The SML Center has announced plans to purchase the Westlake Cinema and transform it into a multi-use community center designed to serve residents and visitors year-round. To bring this vision to life, the organization is working to raise $3 million, which will cover the purchase of the building, renovations and initial operating reserves.

A Multi-Use Venue for Movies, Live Performances and Community Events

The reimagined space will continue showing movies while expanding its role to include live performances, educational programming, community meetings, exhibitions and private events. With its central Westlake location, ample parking and adaptable layout, the building is uniquely suited to become a shared gathering place for all ages.

Preliminary floor plan of the renovated Westlake Cinema showing performance stage, gallery, classrooms and conference rooms

Expanding Indoor Entertainment and Educational Opportunities at the Lake

While our lake is known for its outdoor recreation and natural beauty, it lacks an easily accessible indoor venue where people can connect regardless of season or weather. The SML Center addresses that need while also strengthening the local economy by drawing traffic to Westlake from the entire region.

This preliminary floor plan illustrates how the SML Center will thoughtfully expand the former Westlake Cinema. One theater is reimagined as a live performance hall with a dedicated green room, while new conference, classroom and multi-use spaces support education and community events. A bar/café and hot kitchen enhance gathering opportunities, and importantly, Theaters 3 and 4 will continue showing movies.

A Long-Term Investment in Community, Culture and Connection

More than a renovation, the project represents a long-term investment in community, connection and quality of life at Smith Mountain Lake. To learn more, support the effort or get involved, visit SMLCenter.org and help bring this vision to life!

Ask The Expert

Jack Phillips

President

EXCITED ABOUT:

Introducing a fully equipped theater stage that brings concerts, cultural programming and even off-Broadway–style productions to SML residents and visitors.

FRESH IDEAS:

A welcoming gallery and café that blends art, conversation and community — an inviting space equipped with free Wi-Fi, perfect for casual meetups, small group gatherings and a kid-friendly spot to tackle homework.

Special Guide advertisement