The Academy Center of the Arts is excited to announce that not only will the historic Academy Theatre see the addition of a new lobby changing the face of the facility on Main Street, but that the historic theatre façade is also undergoing a major change. Starting on February 6, 2018, scaffolding covering the façade of the historic theatre will be removed, revealing new colors that through scientific analysis have been discovered to be the original colors of the theatre when it was rebuilt in 1912 (after a fire in 1911).
Through microscopy analysis executed by Evergreene Architectural Arts, a firm leading the historic plaster and paint work on the project, it was discovered that a peachy ochre gold color laid under the existing pink fields of paint that have been on the Academy’s façade for decades. There was also a soft grey sage where the white ornament has existed for years.
“I love it,” said Academy Center of the Arts Executive Director Geoffrey Kershner. “A couple of years ago we rebranded the organization to reflect a new approach to who we are and what we do. I feel these new theatre colors also rebrand the building. For years the historic theatre sat empty and run down. The old colors are associated with that past. Now we can move ahead with new colors and a new identity.”
“Personally, I think that the ochre field color is very handsome and is more sophisticated, leaning towards an Italianate style which is appropriate for the façade ornamentation and design,” said Jeff Greene with Evergreene Architectural Arts.
The removal of the scaffolding will take two to three days to complete and will begin on February 6, 2018. Along with the color change, plaster and façade repairs will also be revealed, marking a major milestone in the restoration efforts of the historic theatre. The historic theatre is still slated to open to the general public in December of this year.
For more information call 434-846- TIXX (8499).
