DDA to Interview Top Two Firms for Theatre Addition

The Duluth Downtown Development Authority authorized a committee headed by DDA Vice President Rob Ponder to interview the top two architectural firms that submitted RFQs to design an addition to the Red Clay Theatre on Main Street. The committee composed of at least three DDA members was also authorized by the DDA to make the final selection. "The winner of the interview wins (the contract)," Ponder said.

The DDA recently voted to issue a call for RFQs (request for qualifications) to architectural firms. Selection will be based on the qualifications of the firms, experience with similar projects, and the interviews.

The DDA had planned to review the RFQs it received at its March 15 meeting, but Duluth Economic Development Manager Chris McGahee announced that the call was being expanded to invite more firms. Issuing the call for RFQs had been approved at the DDA’s Feb. 16 meeting. 

McGahee reported that 18 firms had responded at the DDA's April 19 meeting. The city had placed the request for RFQs on a statewide procurement list. "I'm pleased with the response and quality of the firms," said McGahee. "They are really excellent firms." 

City staff ranked the 18 firms for the DDA's consideration at the April 19 meeting. The top two firms -- Gardner Spencer Smith Tench & Jarbeau and Richard Wittschiebe Hand -- were so close, the DDA decided to interview both.

Estimated cost of designing and building the Red Clay Theatre addition is about $440,000. The DDA has funds available to cover the addition and possibly a marquee. After the addition is designed, the DDA will seek construction bids, which will provide a better idea of the cost.

The end of the Red Clay Theatre building was demolished after it suffered irreparable damage from rain and flooding in the fall of 2009. That end of the theatre is temporarily sealed off from the elements. The Red Clay Theatre’s lobby and stage were not damaged so performances have been continuing. 

The proposed 2,200-square-foot theatre addition includes a box office, multi-purpose pre-function area, administrative offices, and restrooms. The pre-function area would be designed so it could be converted into a two-bay retail space in case the theatre ceased to function in the future.

The Red Clay Theatre is located next to a Pure Taqueria restaurant under construction at the corner of Main Street and Ga. Hwy. 120. Plans for the theatre addition were scaled back to accommodate the restaurant. An alleyway will separate the new restaurant and the theatre building. 

Construction on the Red Clay Theatre addition is expected to begin this summer with completion anticipated in five months.