The Wallace Theatre in Levelland recently unveiled the final renderings in anticipation of their grand reopening in December 2024.
Spearheaded by the Wallace Theater Board of Directors and designed by the esteemed architects at DLR Group, the comprehensive renovations blend the community’s history with sophistication to create a venue that captivates both tradition and innovation and achieve the vision for The Wallace.
Alycyn Keeling, Executive Director of The Wallace, shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Throughout the architecture and renovation processes, we worked to create a cohesive space that connected the beautiful historic murals in the auditorium to the current and expanded lobby. We wanted to preserve the space that holds so many special memories for our community. Most importantly, we wanted people in our community to walk into the space, be proud of what they have helped build and feel special.”
The updated and expanded lobby is designed in the true Art Deco style of the time period of the original building.
The renovated lobby will showcase a mosaic to be designed by artist Kenneth D. Pirtle, a Levelland High School Alumni celebrated for his work across West Texas, including mosaics featured at Texas Tech University Jones Stadium.
The lobby carpet, mirroring the design on the auditorium’s ceiling, adds a unique touch to the visual appeal.
The expanded lobby, connecting to the adjacent building, now owned by The Wallace Theater, will house a full concession gifted by United Supermarkets. Renovations in the adjacent building include a catering kitchen, two full dressing rooms, a green room, and a backstage area for performers.
The second floor of the Wallace Theatre will feature a renovated balcony with four box seats, each capable of seating up to eight patrons, and a state-ofthe- art control room. This floor is being transformed to expand the multi-purpose area, catering to pre and post-show receptions, rental events, and intimate performances. It will also serve as an ideal space for corporate gatherings, special family parties, and youth activities hosted by The Wallace.
The auditorium renovations will feature a meticulous restoration of the historic murals adorning the ceiling and walls, preserving the venue’s cultural heritage and charm.
The auditorium will feature flexible seating, seats not fastened to the floor, to accommodate a variety of configurations and multiple uses for the venue including seated or standing concerts, film, live theatre produced by The Wallace, comedy shows, wedding receptions, and dances. The venue will seat up to 280 patrons with seats all facing forward. It can accommodate a 100-person seated dinner event.
The design for the new Wallace Theatre has been led by DLR Group. The team includes Paul Siemborski, AIA, Andrew Gale, RA, Enio Dajko, Assoc. AIA, and Marta R. Johns, IIDA, NCIDQ.
Rhett Dawson of Henthorn Commercial Construction, along with Liz Lonngren, are managing the construction of the project. The first phase of the project, including the stage, HVAC system, and fire suppression system, were designed by MWM Architects of Lubbock—Stephen Faulk, AIA, Jaelen Roberts, PE, and Dan Arredondo.
The Wallace Theater is led by a board of directors including President Tania Moody, Vice President Denver Bruner, Secretary Lorie Marquez, Treasurer Sarah Osburn, Nicole Campbell, Michelle Pearson, Kris Phillips, Randal Ramirez, Trey Saldana, Meg Slater, Joe Tubb, Ex-Officio Iris Keeing, and Advisors Dean Loehr and Cathrine McMahan. The Wallace staff includes Executive Director Alycyn Keeling, Artistic Director Anna Hogan, Education Coordinator Jennifer Cagle-Gillmore, Business Manager Tina Wiiest, and Operations Assistant Sergio Aguilera.