PITTSFIELD -- Lots of venues fail to live up to either the hype or the promise after they finally open. So far, the Beacon Cinema isn’t one of them.

Since it opened 13 months ago, the $23 million Beacon has done what its proponents said it was supposed to do: create a steady stream of foot traffic in downtown Pittsfield. The six screen cinema complex on North Street drew 190,000 patrons during its first year of operation.

Several restaurants and small retail outlets have opened in the vicinity of the Beacon during the past year.

On Wednesday, the Beacon’s developer, Richard Stanley, and its general manager, John Valente, received the Downtown Pittsfield Person of the Year Award from Downtown Inc. before some 100 guests during a reception at the Colonial Theatre.

It’s only the second time in Downtown Inc.’s 27 year history that the Person of the Year award has been shared by two people.

Valente, who managed the Stanley owned Triplex Cinema complex in Great Barrington for 11 years before the Beacon opened, accepted the award for both men because Stanley was out of town.

"We consider this a shared award just as the success of the Beacon is our success," said Valente, who is also a member of Downtown Inc.’s Board of Directors. "Because this never would have happened without the persistence of the people in Pittsfield. Many of them are here tonight."

"Richard and John’s efforts have had a significant impact on downtown Pittsfield," said Peter Lafayette, the chairman of Downtown Inc.’s Board of Directors, who presented the award. "They’ve created a new momentum."

Valente, who lives in New Marlborough, also thanked the Beacon’s staff for the cinema complex’s success.

"They’re the ones who 365 days of the year keep the theater open, and the train moving on time," he said