Ritz Theatre

Client
Appanoose County Coalition for the Arts
Location
Centerville, IA
Size
16,500 SF
Completion date
November 2012

When the Ritz closed its doors decades ago, the building was stripped of most of its glory and a metal facade was installed, covering the mission style stucco facade of the 1920's. 

In 2003 the metal skin was removed and the Ritz facade of the 1920's was restored. (This portion of the project completed by Wetherell Ericsson Architects prior to 2007 merger with RDG.) RDG was then consulted in order to prepare for the next phase: restoration of the interior of the Ritz as a theater for live performances. This planning process included compliance with modern building codes, enhanced accessibility throughout the building, meetings with the State Historic Preservation Office for conformance with the Secretary of the Interiors' Standards for Rehabilitation, and professional renderings for marketing and fundraising purposes.