Woodward Opera House | Theatre Architecture

The renovation of the prominent National Register listed Woodward Opera House and the design and construction of its new addition has been separated out into multiple-phased projects to accommodate funding restrictions. The Woodward Opera House Project challenges include integrating the restoration of a 1850s theatre building with the adaptive reuse of the adjacent Cooper building and the construction of new additions to the rear.

A new rear addition will accommodate backstage theatre support spaces such as dressing rooms, restrooms, and loading. Separate entries are being provided for retail, office, theatre audience, and theatre support personnel. Construction staging issues include working around an occupied facility and coordinating construction access/staging and storage on an urban site without inconveniencing adjacent shop owners and their customers. Historic tax credit funding was finalized in 2015 and construction was the first live performance took place in January 2019.

Northeast Corner
Main House after Renovation
Restored Roof Brackets
New Main Stair

Owner:
Woodward Development Corporation

Completion:
2002-2003 Retail Renovation
2006-2007 Exterior Renovation
2011-2012 Second Floor Office Renovation
2014-2019 Theatre Renovation
Cost/Size:
$18 million / 73,412 SF

Contact:
Mr. Pat Crow (740) 392-6102

Project Highlights

Historic renovation project including a 1850s Theatre, retail bays, and office space
New construction addition to support the Theatre, features natural light and concrete/steel construction
Overall goal is integration of multiple program functions with separate entries and circulations: retail, theatre, and offices.
Incorporation of sustainable design principles, including use of geothermal wells and photo-voltaic equipment on the roof.
Specialized HVAC systems to handle theatre needs.
Resolution of an intricate alley elevation program featuring restaurant service, theatre services, and a rear public entrance.
Coordination of construction staging to minimize inconvenience to other owners and users on the block.
Exterior Renovation work involved historic detail and paint color research and recreating exterior elements including roof brackets and window hood molds.
The Retail Renovation involved measuring and documenting existing spaces, and creating new layouts to accommodate current Building and Health & Safety Codes.