Biddeford Vocational Students May Call The Former Smitty’s Cinema Home
New Life
Earlier this year a story broke of a former Macy's department store being transformed into a high school in Burlington, Vermont.
The previous building had to be evacuated after toxic chemicals were discovered according to Business Insider.
The space inside the former Macy's was large enough that dividers went up and dozens of classrooms were created including a cafeteria.
Now one Maine town is looking to do something similar.
Smitty's Cinema
Smitty's Cinema is a beloved local movie theater and the Biddeford location has been vacant for some time.
Now the Biddeford school department is considering using the space for the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, the district's vocational program, according to Saco Bay News.
The space would be large enough to house a bunch of programs such as culinary arts and personal care services. Smitty's is known for their amazing food options for patrons to enjoy dinner and a movie under one roof so they already have the kitchen covered.
What Next?
The shopping center where the former theater is located is currently not permitted for educational use so a change would need to be made to the local ordinances before moving forward.
Saco Bay News reports that preliminary discussions show unanimous disapproval for a change to the ordinance, but are discussing alternatives for the school district to use the space.