SML Center Moves Forward with Bold Vision
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The Smith Mountain Lake Center is one step closer to making a long-envisioned community hub a reality—and it all begins at a familiar and beloved spot: Westlake Cinema.
In March, representatives from The Willard Companies and the Smith Mountain Lake Center signed a Letter of Intent outlining plans for the SML Center to purchase Westlake Cinema and transform it into a dynamic multi-use venue designed to serve the entire community.
The plans call for a 280-seat live performance theater, flexible classrooms, meeting rooms and gathering spaces for exhibitions, receptions, mini-performances and private events. The cinema will remain part of the experience, preserving a favorite local entertainment option. The lobby is also slated for a dramatic transformation, with the addition of a cozy coffee shop and wine bar to create an inviting space for conversation and connection before and after events.
“This project is a tremendous step forward for our region,” said Ronald Willard II, president of The Willard Companies. “I’m delighted that the community will continue to have a working cinema while gaining space for live performances, education, and social events. The Smith Mountain Lake Center’s vision is what our area needs to enhance quality of life.”
The SML Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to connecting people through arts, education, entertainment and community events. For years, local leaders and volunteers have dreamed of a place where residents and visitors could come together to celebrate what makes the SML community unique.
That dream is now taking shape.
To prepare for a capital campaign, the Center’s board has partnered with Convergent, a national fundraising consulting firm, to conduct a feasibility study. If the results are favorable, a full campaign will launch in the fall of 2025.
Board President Matt Karis believes the venue is ideally suited to fulfill the organization’s mission.
“The new Westlake Cinema location is perfect,” Karis said. “It offers a great location, ample parking, existing infrastructure and so much potential to support vibrant cultural and educational programming.”In the months ahead, the Smith Mountain Lake Center will announce a variety of opportunities for community members to get involved and help bring this bold vision to life. For more information or to get involved, visit smlcenter.org.
Jerry Hale
GUEST AUTHOR
When he’s not writing about the Smith Mountain Lake, you might just find Jerry out wake surfing or just idling through its coves, practicing guitar or banjo on his deck at the Cottages of Contentment Island, playing steel drums or volunteering with LCM, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Neighbors Helping Neighbors or the SML Charity Home Tour.
