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Architect presents Ritz Theater restoration plan; project design near complete and early funding in place
Summary
Architect Gene Dunwoody told the commission the Ritz Theater restoration design is roughly 95% complete; he offered renderings and preliminary cost estimates (theater ~$2.39M, annex ~$1.9M, equipment $300k) and discussed programming, loading access and adjacent-structure concerns.
Architect Gene Dunwoody on Dec. 16 updated the commission on the Ritz Theater and Cultural Center restoration, showing renderings, historical context and cost estimates for the project.
Dunwoody said the team is about 95% complete on construction drawings and outlined a scope focused on restoring the historic theater, renovating the annex and upgrading mechanical, electrical and AV systems. He presented a preliminary budget estimate: approximately $2,390,000 for the historic theater work, $1,900,000 for the annex and about $300,000 for theater equipment, and said a 10% contingency was included for unforeseen conditions.
Commissioners asked about stage access and loading, structural conditions on the adjacent Chapman Papp property, and programming and management options. Staff said the Fox Theater had provided grant funds and that roughly half of the capital fundraising was accounted for through existing commitments; Dunwoody said community input will be sought and additional grants remain possible.
Commissioners welcomed the update and requested continued coordination on adjacent-building stabilization and logistics for load-in and staging.
