Original reporting: Grace Dola
The historic Tampa Theatre is getting ready to enter a new era. The theatre is getting a 30 million dollar renovation.
For nearly a century, the Tampa Theatre has been a staple in downtown Tampa. Doors opened to the Theatre back in 1926. When the theatre first opened tickets cost only 25 cents.
In 1973, the theatre was set to be demolished because of dwindling numbers, but was able to reopen in 1977.
The National Register of Historic Places later added it to its registry in 1978. The theatre was later named a Tampa landmark in 1988.
Renovations to modernize the iconic theatre began in March. Director of Marketing Jill Witecki said the original architect still influences the theatre today.
“So all these years later, whenever we do any restoration work on the building, our motto is ‘WWJED’ – what would John Eberson do,” said Witecki.
Creative contractors, the company behind the restoration, has the important task of preserving this legendary theatre.
CEO Josh Bomstein said the most enhancements were behind the scenes from electrical to plumbing.
“But everything that you can see, touch and feel, all of the historic elements in the theatre, Bomstein said, will be restored to its original grandeur,” Bomstein said.
The renovations aim to preserve the theatre’s historic character while bringing it into the future. The project comes just in time for a major milestone for the Tampa Theatre.