The restoration of The Ingersoll’s historic triangular marquee was approved last week by the Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment, paving the way for its installation in time for the theater’s grand reopening in November.
Why it matters: The sign symbolizes the public face of a nearly $5 million restoration aimed at revitalizing a beloved neighborhood landmark and dinner-theater experience.
Flashback: The building opened in 1939 under owner A.H. Blank as a single-screen movie theater.
- It became the Ingersoll Dinner Theatre in 1979 and operated for approximately 25 years, featuring productions such as “Cinderella” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
Zoom in: The building briefly housed a restaurant and a nightclub before becoming vacant in 2004 and falling into disuse.
- The structure was at risk of demolition until the current owner, Connor Delaney, purchased it in 2022 and stabilized it to prevent further deterioration.
Driving the news: The sign will stay the same size and look much like it did in recent decades but will be electronic, capable of displaying pictures of artists.
- Some of its original 1930s design features, which were removed over time, will be reinstated, including colors typical of its Streamline Moderne Art Deco style from that era.
Caveat: Project managers aim to complete the marquee renovation before the grand opening, but if they don’t, a large banner may temporarily greet visitors until the iconic sign is restored, per Delaney…