Page 8 - November 2018 inLeague with Resource Guide - Thank You Version
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period appropriate theatre seats. The facility has
new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection,
sound, stage rigging, roof, masonry restoration,
restrooms, stage curtains, LED lighting, lightning
protection, circular bar, barrel vaulted ballroom
with catering kitchen, two elevators, state-of-the-
art marquee and blade sign all equipped with LED
Lighting and reader boards.
Given the nature of the building, meeting current
ADA standards and building codes, alone, was a
challenge. There were also poor soil conditions to
contend with. Challenges were met and exceeded.
The new additions had to be constructed on a
system of 40’ deep caissons, grade beams and
structural slabs. “When we started on the project,
Renovated exterior at night there was a graveyard of burnt out sump pumps in
the boiler room with approximately six feet of water
(from a fluctuating high ground water table) in the
“tunnels” that were used for air distribution under
the auditorium,” said Swiger. “First and foremost, we
worked with the owner and our civil engineer and
devised a way to gravity drain the water out of the
“sub” basement by tying into a drain deep enough
approximately 250’ away from the building. We
issued a bid package for that work prior to bidding
the main theatre project proper,” Swiger said.
After 1.5 years of construction and 4.5 years of
planning, the project held its grand opening on
October 20th with “The Alley Cats” opening for
Jay Leno and “The Guess Who” band as headliners
performing to a sellout crowd of over 1,000 persons.
The ripple effect in town is undeniable. One of the Bar before renovation
adjacent dining establishments, which has been
a staple beside the Robinson Grand since 1933, is
upgrading their building inside and out. Another
adjacent property owner has re-painted their
entire façade. Just a block away, a new restaurant
is opening to capitalize on this opportunity. “It is
an exciting time to be in Clarksburg and I believe
this is just the beginning,” says Swiger. “I sincerely
appreciate the City Officials for taking on this
project, for hiring and believing in its local talent and
facilitating the revival of downtown Clarksburg.”
“This new state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve
the entire region for another century and beyond!
We are very proud to be part of such a wonderful
project!”
Bar after renovation
PAGE 6 | INLEAGUE League of Historic American Theatres
