Author: Young, Henry, Jr. and Polshek, James Stewart

Publication Year: 1976

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This feasibility study of the Ocean State Theatre in downtown Providence was sponsored by The Providence Foundation for the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence. The principle objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of renovating the Ocean State Theatre into a first-class performing arts facility in downtown Providence capable of offering a broad range of artistic events serving the entire southeastern New England region and complementing the functions now being served by the Providence Civic Center and the Trinity Square Reportory Theatre.

Abstract:

This feasibility study of the Ocean State Theatre in downtown Providence was sponsored by The Providence Foundation for the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence. The principle objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of renovating the Ocean State Theatre into a first-class performing arts facility in downtown Providence capable of offering a broad range of artistic events serving the entire southeastern New England region and complementing the functions now being served by the Providence Civic Center and the Trinity Square Reportory Theatre.

Specific objectives were:

• To determine those physical alterations necessary to make the building a superior facility for the performing arts.
• To evaluate the potential market in Rhode Island for a broad range of artistic endeavors, and to identify the most appropriate programming directions for the facility.
• To outline the organizational structure and administrative support needed for a performing arts center.
• To present cost estimates for the renovation and operation of the theatre.

The Ocean State Theatre was constructed in 1928 by the noted Chicago theatre architects, Rapp and Rapp, for the Loew's Theatre Corporation. Purchased by the Dario family in 1971, the public portions of the building were faithfully and sensitively restored in 1976 at a cost in excess of $300,000. The building is located on 43,854 square feet of land on Weybosset Street near the commercial center of Providence. It consists of a 3200-seat theatre, a four story commercial structure fronting Weybosset Street, offering 18,671 square feet of rentable space, and a one-story row of commercial spaces running along Richmond Street offering 8,533 square feet of rentable space, for a total of 27,204 square feet of commercially rentable space.

CONTENTS
Objectives.
Existing Conditions.
Support Infrastructure.
Market Analysis.
Program of Events.
Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Relationship to Lederer Theatre and the civic center.
Architectural plan.
Acoustical and Theatrical plan.
Renovation Costs.
Operating Costs.
Comparables.
Funding strategies.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Cultural Facilities