Renovations

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  The Iola Theatre building has been prepared for restoration, with all non-original modifications made to the building having been removed.  Private donations have made possible a new roof and other improvements to stabilize the building before the exterior renovations that began in 2023. 

In the spring of 2026, the Iola Theatre received a facelift! 

Dimensional Innovations designed and fabricated a new marquee to match the original marquee that hung when the theatre opened in 1931. Every detail was scrutinized. The marquee incorporates 668 lightbulbs and showcases a half sunflower like image on all three sides. Letters were made matching the font to the original style and embracing the vintage style of messaging. 

Utilizing two original sets of doors that had been concealed within the exterior wall for years, Re-View Windows, Inc. restored them and crafted matching front windows and doors to replicate the theatre’s opening-day appearance.  The front windows have a swirl green stain glass glazing in steel window casings. The front doors and transoms have been rebuilt with every detail in mind including the original push and pull plates! 

5M repaired the original terra cotta and tuck pointed the entire front facade with care and attention to the smallest detail. Repairing several missing pieces, the theatre once again is topped with the curved center piece that was knocked off during an inland hurricane in the 1980s. 

The box offie project will complete the front exterior renovations and should be completed in the next few weeks. 

Phase 1 of the interior renovations will begin summer 2026.

This work will bring the lobby and mezzanine back to life as well as the two original restrooms on the mezzanine and two new ADA accessible restrooms on the main floor. 

This initial work inside the theatre will upgrade the electrical and plumbing systems, set up the fire-suppression systems, and several other key improvements necessary for future work!