Arts & Entertainment

Duluth DDA Seeking Architect for Theatre Addition

DDA VP hopes to start construction on Red Clay Theatre project in June

DULUTH, GA -- Plans for an addition to the Red Clay Theatre on Main Street are moving forward. The Duluth Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently voted to issue a RFQ (request for qualifications) to architectural firms. On the basis of qualifications and experience with similar projects, the DDA will select a firm to design the addition.

The end of the Red Clay Theatre building was demolished after it suffered irreparable damage from rain and flooding in the fall of 2009 and is temporarily sealed off from the elements.

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 slated to open in early May and the theatre building. 

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The proposed 2,200-square-foot theatre addition includes a box office, multi-purpose pre-function area, administrative offices, and restrooms, according to DDA Vice President Rob Ponder. “We still hope to put in a marquee,” he also said. 

Ponder said 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.

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He estimated that the Red Clay Theatre addition will cost about $440,000 to design and build. The DDA has funds available to cover it, he said. “We expect to start construction on the addition in June and it to take five months to build,” Ponder said.

The DDA plans to review the RFQs it receives at its March 15 meeting. Issuing the call for a RFQ was approved at the DDA’s Feb. 16 meeting. 

The Red Clay Theatre’s lobby and stage were not affected by the rain and flood damage so performances have been continuing. Restrooms adjacent to the lobby were demolished, so patrons have had to use other restrooms in the basement.


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