Project Description
Hopewell, Virginia, 1997
The Beacon Theatre is a 750 seat historic theatre with a storefront property. It has been closed for almost two decades.
Together with Killis Almond, Jr., AIA Architect, Janis A. Barlow undertook a preliminary feasibility study in 1997 of market conditions, potential program options and an operating business plan. Designs and cost estimates were provided for front-of-house, backstage and lobby renovations and additions to be developed on a phased basis.
Retained by a preservation rather than an arts group, the consultants orchestrated site visits to the Barter, the Paramount and the Lincoln theatres in Virginia to educate the client group with respect to programming choices, project development options, operational issues and the need for a professional executive director to execute the business plan.
Killis Almond is completied an architectural master plan based on schematics developed in the feasibility study phase and the Beacon Theatre has been restored and reopened. It was listed in the National Registry of Historic Places in 2000.
