By Jessica Duren
In the coming weeks, a transformation will start to take shape in one of Jefferson City's downtown businesses.
Capitol City Cork and Provisions will begin reconstructing the adjacent space, formerly Chez Monet, into an independent movie theater named Capitol City Cork and Cinema.
Cork owner Jami Wade said the vision to open an independent theater has been a dream of hers for some time.
"It has been something that Jeff City needs. Whenever I opened Cork I thought if that space ever became available it would be perfect to tie those two businesses together," she said.
Jefferson City doesn't currently have an independent theater. The city's only second-run movie theater, Truman 4 Theatre, plans to close after 43 years at the end of this month.
With help from Missouri Arts Council and some advice from good friends, Columbia's RagTag Cinema owners, Wade and her team are making their dreams a reality.
"I have been offered so many things just to help get this along, the enthusiasm and excitement has just blown me away," Wade noted of the support fellow residents and business owners have offered in the dream stage.
The new cinema will be a not-for-profit organization and will be fitting for all ages.
"I think there will be some really cool opportunities for high school kids," and the theater plans to also cater to younger kids as well.
Featured movies will include independent films, documentaries, retrospective films and classics, and will be shown on one screen inside the storefront. As far as seating goes, the specifics aren't set in stone.
The theater will offer food and beverages all operating out of the Cork side of the business. Wade said that not many people know it, but the two spaces are actually one building, joined together with "Jack and Jill" bathrooms. Construction on the space will start as early as next week.
"It is really going to be a shell, and we kind of want it to be a shell," she said. Renovations include exposing the hardwood floors, erecting a wall, and more cosmetic changes. Wade noted that not as much work will have to be done as was required in the adjoining restaurant.
Wade said she's excited to bring something completely new to the Capital City.
"This isn't another restaurant, or bar or clothing store, and it's going to be good for all ages."
Allowing herself a few months to give the space a new look, Wade hopes to open the theater by October.