Wilma Theater at Aurora
Architects: Kristin Robinson with McGillin Architecture
Location: Philadelphia
Completion: 2018

Philadelphia’s Wilma Theater just announced a multi-million-dollar transformation. Through the “Transformation Fund,” a $10 million fundraising campaign, the theater’s facade will be renovated with a colorful upgrade, the lobby will be converted into a public cafe, and an educational center will be implemented. The facade will extend the neon aesthetic of the theater to its outward face.

Award-winning set designer Kristin Robinson is designing the upgraded facade, while board member Jim McGillin, principal in charge of McGillin Architecture, is designing the cafe and education center—to be named HotHouse—that will include 64 indoor and outdoor seats as well as a fireplace and high-top tables. The theater is also currently pursuing a liquor license.

Wilma Theater is also set to receive a new name, “The Wilma at Aurora,” in honor of two board members’ mother, Chara Aurora Cooper Haas.

The theater’s transformation is estimated to begin summer 2017.