The 3,600 seat Altria Theater, formerly the Landmark Theater, in Richmond, Virginia has reopened! The 180,000 SF historic restoration and refurbishment boasts new patron amenities bringing the performing arts center into the 21st century.
The project goals included infrastructure upgrades (HVAC, life safety, wheelchair accessibility), front of house, back of house, auditorium, artist and performer modernizations. An electronic marquee, building shell renovations/restorations, box office, concession bars, donor and patron parlors, refurbished theater seats, restrooms, digital displays, furniture and furnishings are all new and improved. A new café will open in the theater lobby late winter.
The building’s historic details were preserved and restored back to its late 1920s design, as the theater was built as a Shriners’ ACCA Temple. Original, colorful, Egyptian etchings and murals were uncovered and restored in the Ballroom by EverGreene Architectural Arts. The Ballroom is available for community events.
Led by WBA director, Bruce Herrmann the team also included Gilbane-Christman; Dunbar, Milby, Williams, Pittmer & Vaughn (DMWPV); Dunlap & Partners; Daedalus Projects, Inc.; Cajolet Design and Building Conservations Associates.
Read more about the Altria Theater Opening here.
Built in 1926, the Altria Theater project is part of the 2002 WBA Master Plan commissioned by the City of Richmond and includes the Carpenter Theatre/Richmond CenterStage Performing Arts Complex.
Photography: Anton Grassl/Esto