Civic Theatre of Allentown has reopened its Theatre514 screening room after renovating the facility in August.

Seating capacity in-creased from 60 to 92 seats, which includes cup-holders, with new steel-enforced risers. The custom-made seating is by Irwin Seating Company, seating contractor for PPL Center, Allentown.

"We really have listened to those who have come to Theatre514 and who have asked us to provide them with a better overall experience. We believe this renovation accomplishes that beautifully," said Michael Traupman, Civic Theatre Managing Director.

Seats were centered in the style popular in multiplex movie theaters. Rise and pitch was rebuilt to provide for optimal sightlines.

The screen, previously slightly off-center, was relocated. Lighting was added for ambiance and safety.

There's a Spotlight Red color scheme, design touches like stainless steel railings with cable-wire embellishments, box-shaped LED wall sconces, and bright red acoustic wall panels.

Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC, Princeton, N.J., was architect. Accutech Construction of Allentown was general contractor and construction manager.

Civic accomplished the renovation without a capital campaign by refinancing debt on the facility, lowering its monthly payment while releasing funds for the estimated $150,000 renovation.

Civic added high definition digital projection in the screening room in 2013.

Theatre 514 is across the street from Civic's 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown.

Civic acquired the Theatre514 building in 2004, revamping it as a black box space for stage productions and screenings of independent films. The building was initially acquired to help Civic expand its scenery shop for scenery and prop construction and production storage.

A gallery was added to the lobby in May 2013. The Allentown Arts Commission curates Civic's Gallery and changes the exhibition every six weeks.

"Our vision for Theatre514 will not be totally realized until we make the outside of the theater match the beauty of the inside," said Traupman.

Civic seeks funds to upgrade the Theatre514 façade, which has a 1970s industrial style from its previous incarnations as a bottle factory, surgical supply store and drive-through beer distributorship.

Civic is in its third decade as the Lehigh Valley's leading source for independent, foreign, art house and documentary cinema and is a member of the Sundance Institute Art House Convergence Group and the League of Historic American Theatres.

Civic film schedule: CivicTheatre.com; Civic's MovieLine, 610-432-0888.