Kevin Hoffman, AIA from RDG Planning & Design of Des Moines and Pam Kaupins, Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation board member, recently traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma to accept a 2018 AIA Central States Design Excellence Honor Award in Historic Preservation for the Ottumwa Theater Façade Restoration.  Hoffmann said “As an architect, it is incredibly rewarding to help a community save and restore an iconic landmark. It is a delight to win the Ottumwa Theater design excellence award, and I hope it serves as a further catalyst for improving downtown Ottumwa.”

The façade restoration was based on studies of 1940’s photos and historic architectural drawings of the building with particular emphasis on the restoration of the terracotta which comprises most of the middle façade.  The terracotta work was completed by artisans at Neumann Brothers in Des Moines.

To begin exploration of potential programming for the interior of the theaters, the Legacy Foundation has contracted with Zachary Mannheimer, planner with McClure Engineering.  Mr. Mannheimer and his team will be conducting visioning sessions to obtain information about the community’s needs and challenges that will help to build a comprehensive plan for the facilities.  Pam Kaupins, a co-chair of the project said, “It is exciting to work with professionals to help guide us through determining the uses of the buildings that can be both beneficial to the community and sustainable.”

A community committee has been formed to assist with this initiative whose members include individuals with expertise in the arts, education, business and youth programming, among others.  Work will begin mid-November of this year.

For the full press release, please visit RDG’s website at: https://rdgusa.com/sites/news/2018/10/the-ottumwa-theater-restoration-receives-design-award/