The Smith Mountain Lake Center has taken a major step forward in its mission to create a vibrant hub for education, performing arts, and cultural engagement. The organization has signed a letter of intent to purchase Westlake Cinema, ensuring that the beloved movie theater will not only continue to serve the community but also be transformed into a dynamic multi-use facility.

A vision for the future

The newly acquired space will preserve Westlake Cinema’s role as a movie theater while expanding its offerings to include a 300-seat performing arts venue, classrooms, and gathering areas. This transformation represents a long-anticipated milestone in the Smith Mountain Lake Center’s efforts to establish a permanent location where residents and visitors alike can enjoy cultural programming, educational opportunities, and entertainment.

Smith Mountain Lake Center Wordmark Logo“After years of planning, we are excited to have found a permanent home that is such a great fit for our vision,” said Vicki Gardner, a board member of the Smith Mountain Lake Center. “Ron Willard has been a wonderful partner, and his support has been instrumental in helping bring this dream to life. This center will serve the Smith Mountain Lake community for generations to come.”

Ronald L. Willard II, the owner of Westlake Cinema, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “This project is a tremendous step forward for our region. I am delighted that the community will continue to have a working cinema while also gaining a space for performances, education, and social events. The Smith Mountain Lake Center’s vision is exactly what our area needs to enhance quality of life, and I will be thrilled to see this transformation happen.”

What's coming to the new Smith Mountain Lake Center?

The Center’s plans for Westlake Cinema include:

  • A 300-seat performing arts venue for live theater, concerts, and lectures.
  • Classrooms and meeting spaces for educational programs, career training, and business use.
  • A café and social gathering area to foster community connections and networking opportunities.
  • A revitalized movie theater experience with screenings of beloved films and special event programming.

Board president Matt Karris highlighted the importance of this transition, stating, “This is an incredible moment for the Smith Mountain Lake region. The Center’s new home at Westlake Cinema offers everything we need—a fantastic location, existing infrastructure, and the opportunity to provide even more cultural and educational programming. Ron Willard’s commitment to the community is inspiring, and we are so grateful for his role in making this happen.”

Community support is needed

To bring this vision to life, the Smith Mountain Lake Center is launching a fundraising campaign to help fund renovations and programming. Several exciting events are planned for 2025, including:

  • A high-profile gala event featuring a silent auction and a special guest speaker.
  • A family-friendly Disney sing-along event.
  • A concert showcasing the future of the performing arts space.
  • Additional community fundraising efforts leading up to the holiday season.

“We need the community’s support to make this transformation a reality,” said Gardner. “Whether through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, or attending events, every contribution makes a difference.”

Get involved

The Smith Mountain Lake Center invites all community members to be a part of this exciting journey. Contact us here.

About the Smith Mountain Lake Center
Smith Mountain Lake Center, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a centralized hub for education, entertainment, and community engagement in the Smith Mountain Lake region. Its mission is to enhance economic development, lifelong learning, and cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.