All You Need Is Popcorn And Internet

I always loved the walk up busy Rainier Avenue in Seattle, Washington, from my house a mile away to Ark Lodge Cinemas, the local movie theater. It was only a 20 minute stroll from home past all the local small businesses: restaurants, bakeries, ice cream parlors, clothing shops, and many other unique establishments. This strip of businesses made up the shopping district of Columbia City, which was not only my neighborhood, but also one of my favorite places to hang out in Seattle. Ark Lodge Cinemas was a primary destination for me in Columbia City, whether I was with friends or family or a combination of both.

One of my favorite memories of Ark Lodge was seeing Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Christmas Eve in 2015. Some friends came to our house, and we all walked together from there to the theater – me, my mom, and three members of the Hachez family. I remember this visit to the theater so well because the weather was crisp and cold during our walk, and we had a beautiful surprise for the trip home: It had started to snow while we were inside seeing the film! It was so lovely walking out into the fresh falling snow with all the holiday lights wrapped around the trees on the street. Not only had we had a great time at Ark Lodge and seen an iconic movie, but we also had a very festive walk back home.

When I moved to South Seattle from Snohomish County where I grew up, northeast of the city, Ark Lodge Cinemas quickly became my go-to movie spot. The vibe there is casual and fun, without the huge crowds of a larger cinema complex with a dozen or more screens, and with great perks of its own. The look and feel of the place is vintage, and the auditoriums seat up to 200. For a cozier experience, films are also shown in the Prestige Room, formerly a party room converted to a screening room with sofas and overstuffed chairs instead of traditional theater seating. As an independent movie theater, Ark Lodge Cinemas screens current films, throwbacks, and independent films, as well as hosting community events. You can see everything from summer blockbusters to retro B-movie horror flicks. You can get all the must-have concessions like popcorn, candy and soft drinks, plus some special treats like ice cream sandwiches that are unique to the neighborhood.

The Ark Lodge building was originally a Masonic hall, built in 1921, with manufacturing and businesses on the first floor and meeting rooms on the second and third floors. In 2004, The Columbia City Cinema opened in the historic space. It closed in May 2011 due to financial issues, but the theater reopened in December 2012 under the ownership of the McRae family, with a new name in honor of the original Ark Lodge Masonic hall. Owner and operator David McRae has worked tirelessly to ensure that the historic building has remained a gathering place for the residents of Columbia City and its visitors. The cinema offers ADA accessible screenings, open caption screenings and more to make sure to include all its neighbors and guests. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly.

Ark Lodge Cinemas has been unconditionally supportive of the Columbia City community during its existence. Ticket sellers and concessions staff are local residents, many of them high school students enjoying their first employment experience. Preshow advertisements on all screens promote local businesses, most located within walking distance. David McRae responds personally to community posts on social media platforms.

Like most independent movie theaters, Ark Lodge Cinemas has struggled to stay afloat in the days of giant screens and huge auditoriums, but with the support of the community, this small business always finds a way. Now, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ark Lodge, like other theaters, is not open for showings. Instead, they are now offering Virtual Cinema, the opportunity to see some of their current films online for the first time! Visit their website below or find links to upcoming films on Ark Lodge Cinemas’ Facebook or Twitter pages to help support this amazing small business during these difficult times.

https://arklodgecinemas.com/page/14603/Virtual-Cinema