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Projects:
Circle Theatre
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The
historic Circle Theatre, entered on the National Register, was designed
in an elegant Adams revival style. One of the first deluxe movie
“palaces,” it featured an architectural screen with glass panels,
loges which resembled the famous Diamond Horseshoe of the Metropolitan
Opera House in New York, and three staircases with mahogany rails
and gilt posts. Richly detailed, Adamesque plaster relief's ornamented
the interior of the hall.
The
architects converted this space, which had suffered considerable
deterioration of finish and detail, for the requirements of symphony
orchestra performances, including staging, acoustic excellence,
and audience sightlines and comfort.
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The adopted program
comprised extensive reconfigurations of the stage and orchestra, modifications
of the balcony and a new expanded lobby. Key to its success was the mandate
that the historic integrity of the structure be maintained.
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A new
orchestra shell with seating around the perimeter was integrated
into the theater. Renovations included extending the stage, widening
and raising the proscenium. The orchestra seating level was raised
and the pitch of the balcony was increased. Existing auditorium
seating was reconfigured to include handicapped and balcony boxes,
with the exception of rows far under the balcony, which were eliminated
for the lobby expansion.
Location: Indianapolis,
Indiana
Original Design: Rubush & Hunter, 1916
Construction Cost: $6,100,000
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