Name: Harlequin Productions – State Theater – Phase 1
Location: Olympia, WA
Size: 3,500 SF renovated of total 12,800 SF building area
Cost: $2.5 to $3 million
Completed: 2024
Richaven provided architectural, historic preservation, and building envelope services for the predesign phase evaluation and planning for the rehabilitation of this 1949 theater. Phase 1 of this project focused on operational improvements to the back-of-house areas to improve the quality of the theatrical and production experience for Harlequin Production’s cast, crew, audience, and community members and improving the building’s acoustical performance.
Listed on the Olympia Register of Historic Places and a contributing building in the Olympia Historic District, the State Theater has operated on a shoestring budget but understands the value in further enabling their capabilities.
Key issues involved included exterior envelope modifications in accordance with the Secretary’s Standards as well as incorporating renovated interior facilities with the historic interior lobby spaces. Future phases of this projects are planned, pending fundraising.