 PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This building
was built in 1928 as a vaudeville/cinema theatre with Greek
Revival plaster detailing and Classical decorative artwork.
The crystal chandelier in the auditorium is repeated in
numerous crystal light fixtures throughout the structure.
Decorative lighting is used in the auditorium to enhance the
special ambience of this atmospheric theatre.
The Ritz Theatre
project followed a careful planning process to insure
success for The Ritz Theatre, Inc. organization. In 1993 a
Strategic Plan and an operation/business plan was developed
for the theatre. Even though the Ritz Theatre had been
operating for 11 years prior to rehabilitation, the Board
established a new vision for the direction of the arts in
the north central region of Ohio.
Following the
development of the operation/business plan, a Master Plan
was developed by Killis Almond and Associates that
established the physical requirements needed to fulfill the
vision of the Board. This Master Plan included an Annex at
the rear of the theatre with a total construction budget of
$3.7 million. Based on the preliminary budget and the
Schematic Design, the Board proceeded with a fundraising
drive of $5 million. This was the budget for the complete
restoration of the 1928 vaudeville theatre into a performing
arts center with capabilities of cinema presentations in the
main house and business and theatre operations during the
fourteen month construction period.
During the first phase
of construction, the terra cotta façade
 and masonry were
restored along with the roof. This was followed by the
lobby, auditorium and stage work phase which was completed
on February 14, 1998 and included the following: restoration
of the lobbies and auditorium; the cleaning and restoration
of the murals and decorative artwork; total replacement of
all electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems; and the
total upgrade of all stage equipment - lighting, sound and
cinema. The rear Annex shell was completed and air
conditioning equipment was installed on the roof of this
addition along with the distribution system for heating and
air conditioning of the Annex and the stage. The Annex was
completed in 2002 at a cost of $1,300,000. The entire
project was accomplished using a construction management
process to assist in controlling time and budget.
The Ritz Theatre is
listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1998
the theatre received the Award of Excellence from the
Northern Ohio Chapter of the Associated Builders and
Contractors. Inc. On January 30, 1999, this project received
the Associated Builders and Contractors National 1998 Award
of Merit for Outstanding Achievement reflected by Quality,
Innovation and Teamwork.
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