REMARKABLE MARQUEE

When the Englert asked OPN to investigate marquee restoration, the paint was peeling, neon lights were broken, the incandescent “chaser” lights did not move, and the soffit lights were not operational. Internally, the steel structure that supported the Marquee was rusted and the electrical infrastructure that powered the sign did not meet any modern electrical safety requirements. The marquee not only looked bad, but it was also dangerous. 

The marquee cladding—called cabinets– were removed, disassembled, and shipped to a contractor specializing in marquee restoration. The many layers of paint were removed to expose the original colors—colors that were slighting different than the most recent color scheme. The steel superstructure was repaired, and irreparably corroded pieces were replaced. Energy-saving LED lighting replaced incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Neon—an energy efficient light source– was replaced in-kind to retain authenticity. 

Watch the marquee’s careful removal and sparkling debut:

ROOM WITH A VIEW

When the Englert was constructed, the area above the lobby was apartments. Decades ago, the apartments were removed, and a social space called the Gallery was added. The multi-purpose social room was used as an art gallery, concession stand, bar, and community gathering space. While useful to the Englert, it was too small and oddly shaped with limited windows and a closet in the middle of the room. 

OPN worked with the Englert to expand the Gallery, more than doubling its size. Major structural upgrades were required to make the space safe and substantial alterations to heating and cooling duct work were needed to make the open. Fire sprinklers were added to improve its safety and a new sound system was installed to increase the versatility of the space. 

The new space will be a multi-purpose space and will be used for performances, receptions, intermission concessions, and a community gathering space. The new space will provide a new source of revenue to the theater and increase the programming capacity of the organization. 

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

In 1926 the Englert Theater suffered a catastrophic fire. Historic photographs show the Iowa City Fire Department attempting to extinguish the fire, but the fire spread throughout the building destroying much of the building. The theater was quickly rebuilt but the exterior brick walls—including the stage wall where the fire started—was reused as–is. It’s likely that the shock of red-hot bricks being rapidly cooled by fire-fighting water caused the bricks on the stage wall to spall and crack. To most Englert patrons, the rough and charred stage wall that featured signatures from artists who performed on stage was its hallmark. 

In the recent past, the Englert staff began noticing large pieces of brick falling from the stage wall onto the stage. When OPN studied the wall, it became evident that the inner layer of brick was completely detached from the rest of the brick wall and collapse was possible. Additionally, the catwalk used for theatrical production was attached to the failing wall. During demolition, much of inner row of bricks fell with little or no effort, proving the wall was unsafe and collapse was imminent. 

New bricks with a rough texture and charred appearance were made to match the damaged historic bricks. The bricks were laid to match the historic coursing and mortar was tinted, as if it had been charred. A masonry pier featuring artist signatures was retained. 

Other less visible, but critical improvements include replacement of the roof, replacement of some heat and cooling equipment, as well as the rear (alley) wall of the stage, which was crumbling, was repaired and rebuilt.

The rehabilitation, restoration, and revitalization of the Englert Theatre will be a multi-phase project. The first phase of the multi-phase project focused heavily on shoring up the historic building’s walls, floors, and roof, including substantial structural repairs. Additionally, the first phase included restoration of the iconic marquee and expansion of the second-floor gallery space. OPN worked with the Englert to set priorities and focus on investments that both addressed the greatest needs and maximized the use of grants, public funding, and historic tax credits. The second phase will focus on enhancing the patron experience with better sound, better lighting, and historically appropriate upgrades to the main hall.