By Lance Henderson

With a recent $100,000 donation from Bellingham developer and property owner Bob Hall, the new Pickford Film Center, being constructed at 1318 Bay St., is only $500,000 shy of the amount needed to complete construction.

Hall’s donation includes $25,000 from The Leopold Retirement Residence, an assisted-living and retirement community in downtown Bellingham in which Hall is a co-owner.

“Keeping the Pickford Film Center downtown and in that building meshes perfectly with my vision for a strong downtown,” Hall said in a statement. “Downtown Bellingham will continue to attract more residents and visitors by offering quality entertainment in a historic, attractive environment.”

Alice Clark, executive director of the Pickford Film Center, said not only does the donation help with construction costs, it also helps the Pickford when it approaches other potential donors.

“When someone so committed to a vibrant, healthy downtown as Bob Hall makes such a large gift, it gives us added credibility among individuals and foundations who are considering donations or grants,” Clark said in a statement.

The new Pickford Film Center will have two theaters — one seating 145 and another with 90 seats — and will be able to host other cultural events. Completion is tentatively scheduled for this winter if the remaining amount can be raised.

For more information about the Pickford Film Center, call (360) 647-1300 or visit www.pickfordfilmcenter.org.