A historic but shuttered movie theater in Downtown Westfield has gained a big endorsement from officials as a tax incentive to help convert the facility into a performance arts space has been awarded.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has approved a $43 million tax credit for the Rialto Center for Creativity, a planned endeavor for a 100-year-old movie theater on Broad Street in Westfield. The money comes through New Jersey’s brand-new Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) program, which is modeled on the federal New Markets Tax Credit program but redirected toward cultural institutions.
The theater, which shuttered in 2019, is hoping to become a performance, education, and gallery space. When complete, the new Rialto is slated to feature a flexible performance and event space for up to 450 people along with four multi-use classrooms and creative studios designated for workshops, classes, and rehearsals.
Other planned perks at the complex include dedicated gallery areas for local and regional artists, a public-facing café, and a catering kitchen for private functions. The state investment now launches the next phase of the project and a new $10 million fundraising campaign, which is accepting donations from the public.
Westfield has an impressive list of leading creative artists who were raised or live in the town despite its relatively small size. Notable names include John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Addams Family creator Charles Addams, and current President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
The group behind the effort to transform the theater, Westfield Arts Collective, hope to begin construction on the Rialto Center for Creativity during 2027, with the new facility planned to open in 2029.
