American Theater

Phoebus, Virginia (circa 1901)

McPherson Design Group provided extensive field investigation, a facility condition inspection, design/contract documents, and construction administration for the $2.9 Million renovation of this turn-of-the-century theater. The original building was analyzed for rehabilitation to a full size theater/opera house. The renovations included reconstruction of the existing balcony, reconstruction of the stage and floor, and construction of a new exterior façade.  Additions to the building included a two-story 6,350 SF side addition, a 970 SF stage addition, and a 1,150 SF one-story green room addition. The lobby space, concessions, and office space were also expanded. The new construction consists of masonry bearing walls and steel framing.  The American Theater is now one of the most popular performing arts venues, hosts renowned performing artists from every corner of the globe in an ambitious year-round program, and has become the envy of many cities much larger than Hampton.