The Tampa Theatre has been one of the city’s most beautiful and iconic buildings for nearly 100 years, and the local gem is only getting better as it hits the century mark. Tampa Theatre and Creative Contractors announced that work is beginning on a $24.5 million restoration and modernization project.
As part of the process, the Duncan Auditorium will be closed beginning on March 10, with the goal of reopening in October for the official 100th anniversary celebrations. During this restoration, the John T. Taylor Screening Room will remain open for films and events, giving the theatre’s community and members access to Tampa Theatre throughout the renovation.
Creative Contractors is beginning work on the initial $13.5 million portion of the project that the theatre promises will “restore the historic Duncan Auditorium to its original grandeur.” It’s already one of the most beautiful places in Tampa before restoration, so we can’t wait to see the finished product this fall.
The project includes “a comprehensive historic restoration” of both interior and exterior elements. Inside the building, Creative is completing audiovisual enhancements, a refreshed concessions area, a new stage truss system, and upgraded theatrical lighting to support live performances and film presentations. A specialty plaster restoration contractor will restore the main Duncan Auditorium. On the exterior, Creative is refreshing the building’s signage with new paint and enhanced lighting…