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Commission approves multi‑faceted exterior renovation of Thalian Hall, including new marquee
Summary
The commission granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior renovations at Thalian Hall (310 Chestnut Street), approving restoration of brownstone stairs, bronze doors by the original manufacturer, a north‑facade curtain wall and a new 18–20 ft marquee blade sign by artist Greg Hall, with standard staff conditions and separate permitting for signage.
The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved exterior renovations to Thalian Hall at 310 Chestnut Street on July 9, allowing restoration of historic elements and compatible new construction across multiple facades.
Staff described a phased plan that preserves original fabric where present, replaces non‑original concrete stairs with granite‑clad concrete built to avoid encroaching on 3rd Street right‑of‑way, restores Brownstone stair walls, preserves commemorative plaques, restores existing historic bronze entry doors by Ellison using their 1939 archive records, and confines Princess Street entry work to a future review. The proposal also includes a new accessible egress ramp at the backstage (1989 addition), a new scene shop and transformer/generator screening on the east facade, and a north‑facing glass and aluminum curtain wall enclosing an existing covered outdoor space plus an 18–20 foot tall internally lit marquee blade sign designed by Greg Hall.
Architect John Sawyer and applicant Shane Fernando explained the design intent for the marquee and the historical inspiration for its Edison‑style lighting. Staff recommended conditions, including separate sign permitting and clear glazing. Commissioners praised the design as respectful of the building’s history while accommodating contemporary needs: “this project really seems to honor its past while being welcoming about its future,” one commissioner said.
A motion to approve the exterior renovations with staff conditions carried unanimously. The approval includes the staff conditions that signage requires separate permitting, windows be clear and untinted, no mature trees be removed as a result of the project, and all construction comply with applicable codes.
