Originally opened in 1914 as a theater for vaudeville acts, the 39,000 sf Colonial Theatre was shuttered in 2002 and stayed vacant for over 10 years. In 2015, the City of Laconia and the Belknap County Economic Development Council partnered to purchase, restore, and reopen the dilapidated building. The project impetus was downtown revitalization, and the program was expanded to include a market-rate residential building contiguous with the theater, along with street-level retail, bringing the total renovation area to 51,000 sf.
The 760-seat theater and supporting front-of-house theater areas were carefully restored to the original Venetian décor, while back-of-house areas focused on current-day theater support and building infrastructure. Code-required structural upgrades were made throughout, including for lateral load and snow load. Theater HVAC systems were integrated with the historic context, with low velocity air distribution providing comfort and exemplary acoustics for theater performers and patrons. Theater house lighting design included provisions for removal, rewiring, and revamping of historic fixtures for safety and energy efficiency.
Recognition
NHPA, Preservation Achievement Award
Services
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Fire Protection
Structural
Metrics
51,000 sf
760 Seats
Architect
Misiaszek Turpin Architects
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