Bringing the Magic Back to Berkeley: Yates Theater’s New Chapter

If old walls could talk, Denver’s historic Yates Theater would have epic stories to tell. From silent film flickers to piano-shop days, this charming stucco-roofed building at West 44th Avenue and Yates Street has quietly watched our city evolve for nearly a century. Now, with a little love (and a whole lot of vision), it’s about to take center stage again.

A Space with History and a Future

Built in 1926, the Yates has worn many names and identities over the decades (Rex Theatre, maybe even the Coronet) and for years it sat quietly, its marquee dim, its seats empty. But thanks to the passion and imagination of Denver locals Macy Lao and Kyle Hagan, this quirky piece of Denver’s cultural tapestry might soon become a thriving hub for film, community, and connection.

Macy and Kyle signed a 10-year lease with dreams to honor the theater’s past while building something entirely new. Their working name for the space? Waystation, a nod to the frontier spirit of the West and the wonderland of speculative storytelling. It’s nostalgia with a wink, which feels just right for a place where old reels meet fresh ideas.

What’s on the Reel?

Under the current vision, the revived theater will seat around 300 film lovers, with a cozy bar and lounge out front. Think, a cross between old-school cinema and your favorite indie art house hangout. Classic films like Boogie Nights and Sunset Boulevard might grace the screen, side by side with eclectic performances and live events that bring the arts to life in ways that clap-along crowds and online streams just can’t replicate.

And aside from the movies? Macy and Kyle see the space hosting so much more. From comedy nights to community gatherings, Waystation will be building connection in a world that’s been far too isolated lately. Their entrepreneurial energy and love for creative, communal experiences is downright infectious.

Building an Arts Ecosystem, Not Just a Theater

Now, here’s the part that really makes my arts-lover heart sing: this isn’t just about reopening an old building. It’s about weaving another brilliant thread into Denver’s cultural fabric. The Yates (or Waystation) won’t be going it alone. It’ll play nicely alongside gems like the Sie FilmCenter and the Oriental Theater, adding momentum to a growing entertainment ecosystem that celebrates film, music, performance, and people.

That spirit of collaboration over competition? That’s the real star of the show.

The Road Ahead

Of course, this kind of transformation doesn’t happen overnight. The building will need a serious facelift, a zoning variance, and community support as it moves toward its grand reopening — hopefully by late 2026.

But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Denver loves a comeback story, especially one with character, heart, and a dash of whimsy. And if anyone can turn this long-silent stage into a vibrant place to gather, laugh, reflect, and cheer, it’s a pair of dreamers with a plan.