Renovation of the Varsity Cinema is expected to begin in November and be completed by spring 2022, when a grand opening is planned.

The Varsity, located at 1207 25th St. in Des Moines, is described as the area’s oldest single-screen, independently owned movie house. The theater was shuttered in December 2018.

The Des Moines Film Society bought the historic structure in fall 2020 and in February launched a capital campaign to raise $3 million to renovate the century-plus-old building. So far, more than $2 million has been raised, according to Ben Godar, the group’s director.

“We are confident we can reach our goal,” wrote Godar. “While we’ve had some major gifts and grants, the support we’ve received has been more like a groundswell.”

More than 1,000 people have supported the capital campaign, he wrote.

Renovations to the Varsity include returning the structure to its original appearance and creating space for a micro-cinema on the second floor and more space on the first floor for gatherings before and after movies.

More information about the renovation project can be found here.