Renovation work scheduled at historic Orpheum Theatre

Restoration work on the Orpheum Theatre’s east stair tower is expected to begin next week; later this year, the auditorium’s foyer will also be renovated.

The restoration work on the historic theater is expected to be finished this fall, according to Jennifer Allen, president of the Orpheum Theatre.

Some of the work will include replastering, refurbishing and repainting walls, ceilings, decorative crown molding, mirrors, sconces and stair railings.

Some new doors will replace old doors, and new carpeting and benches will be installed. The work is expected to cost $500,000 and is part of the Orpheum’s Capital Campaign.

Allen said all work will be done during the day so it should not disrupt the theater’s performance schedule.

The Orpheum, built in 1922 at 200 N. Broadway, has long been envisioned as the crown jewel of Wichita’s arts and cultural community, in part because it is the last one standing.

It was designed and built by one of the nation’s leading architects, “Opera House John” Eberson.

It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981.

This story was originally published February 17, 2015 at 5:42 PM with the headline "Renovation work scheduled at historic Orpheum Theatre."