The Mariemont Theatre is finally coming back.

Cindependent, the nonprofit that took over the 88-year-old landmark after its previous operator was evicted earlier this year, announced Wednesday that it has raised nearly $1.1 million, surpassing its $1 million Phase I fundraising goal and clearing the way for a grand reopening targeted for the end of August.

"We did it! Thank you to everyone!" founder Allyson West said in the announcement reported by WCPO. "I have had the privilege of personally talking with so many people who have movie memories of the theatre, and people who want to get the lights back on and the doors back open as much as we do."

The five-screen theatre at 6906 Wooster Pike on Mariemont's Village Square first opened in December 1938. It went dark in late February after building owner Spinnenweber Builders, Inc. evicted Theatre Management Corporation, which had been operating the venue. Crews hauled out projectors and popcorn makers, leaving rows of empty floor space where seats once sat.

When Mariemont Mayor Bill Brown watched the move-out unfold on Feb. 24, he told WCPO: "The thought of something like this going dark is unacceptable for most residents in this village."

Five months later, Cindependent says it has replaced everything that was stripped. Phase I funding covers five new digital projectors, a new audio system, new screens, accessibility features, lighting and a new popcorn machine, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier. Four of the five auditoriums will show first-run films; the fifth will host special-events programming.

Cindependent is now hiring staff and has posted positions through LADD Inc., a nonprofit partner that helps adults with disabilities find employment, WLWT reported. Board president Jack Crumley said the effort drew "a tremendous team of volunteers who've been helping us for months."

The nonprofit plans a donor giveaway event at the theatre on Saturday, Aug. 15. An exact reopening date has not been announced, but Cindependent's website targets the end of August.

Beyond Phase I, Cindependent has outlined two more phases: lobby finishes, corridor improvements, restroom renovations and marquee lighting upgrades in Phase II, followed by a Phase III vision to make the theatre a year-round center for film culture in Cincinnati.

West framed the milestone as a beginning. "We've reached the starting line," she said.