Page 29 - July 2017 inLeague and Conference Program

The Stiefel closed as a film house in 1987, and two years later, its owner sold the theater for $1
to the city of Salina. The city repaired the roof and mothballed the building until 1997, when it
was turned over to a nonprofit group for a multi-million dollar restoration.
“Exquisite care was taken during the renovation,” Gates said, describing how stenciling was
recreated and the original carpet design was used.

The Stiefel reopened in 2001, with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and has
since become a major concert venue in the Midwest, booking such acts as Steve Martin,
Darius Rucker, Emmylou Harris, Garrison Keillor, Gladys Knight, the Piano Guys and the Avett
Brothers. The theater is also home to the Salina Symphony Orchestra.

Gates said the three-year renovation process wasn’t without its controversies, as people
questioned why one business was hired or a particular product used over others.

“Every little bump along the road led us to where we are now,” she said.

The Stiefel is self-sustaining and depends on donations and ticket sales to cover its costs. It
books 30 to 35 shows a year, drawing patrons from as far away as Oklahoma City, Kansas
City and Colorado. Last year, 30,000 people attended the concerts.

Chain reaction

Like Topeka, Salina is experiencing a rejuvenation of its downtown, and the Stiefel Theatre is
playing a key role in attracting people to the area.

“It’s critical,” Gates said. “The Stiefel is kind of like the crown jewel.”

The Paramount Theater in Abilene, Texas, not only is drawing people to the city’s downtown,
but the 87-year-old theater has started a trend of restoring historic buildings.

Betty Hukill, executive director of the Paramount, said after the 1,199-seat, Spanish-Moorish-
themed theater was restored in 1986, residents realized how beautiful the theater was and
how close they came to losing it. They started looking at the city’s other historic buildings and
the possibility of restoring them.

“It started a chain reaction of restoration,” Hukill said. “Downtown has regained the vibrancy
it lost.”

The Paramount’s stage was renovated and technical equipment upgraded so it could
accommodate films, live performances, business meetings, private parties, weddings and
community events. The Paramount is the producing organization for an international short
film festival and home of Paramount Productions, which presents live theatrical performance
using local and regional performers guided by theater professionals.

Hukill, who wasn’t at the theater during the project, estimated the restoration cost to be at
least $3 million.

The building is occupied more than 200 days a year, with an estimated 50,000 people
passing through its doors.

Hukill said the theater is funded through donations, box office and concession sales, and
rental income.

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41 National Conference & Theatre Tour July 2017 INLEAGUE | PAGE 27
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