Grand reopening slated December 2024
The Wallace Theater in Levelland 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 architects at DLR Group, the comprehensive renovations create a venue that captivates both tradition and innovation and achieve the vision for The Wallace to be “The premier boutique venue for arts and cultural, educational, live performance theatrical, musical, and film experiences in West Texas.”
Alycyn Keeling, Executive Director of The Wallace, shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is a celebration for the whole community! 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. We want them to say, ‘Wow’ and have a space that will continue to be loved 100 years from now.”
The updated and expanded lobby is designed in the true Art Deco style of the time period of the original building. Keeling expressed a deep desire for the venue to be empowering, stating, “Thinking about all of the students that will come through, we want this to be a place that inspires them to dream and tells them they can go anywhere they want to in the world and that they belong. The beautiful space will fit the quality of the talent we plan to showcase on the stage.”
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 Theater 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.
“There is just something magical about the space that engages audiences and creates an experience unlike any other. We wanted to make sure we didn’t lose that with the updates,” said Keeling.
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 space is designed to be timeless and elegant, yet it will have all the amenities needed to meet today’s modern needs for entertainment. The flexibility of the space will also ensure that it can accommodate the changing needs of entertainment in the future,” added Keeling.
The design for the new Wallace Theater has been led by DLR Group, a national firm with deep expertise in historic theatre renovations and arts, cultural, and educational centers in communities just like Levelland. The team includes Paul Siemborski, AIA, Andrew Gale, RA, Enio Dajko, Assoc. AIA, and Marta R. Johns, IIDA, NCIDQ.
Andrew Gale said, “DLR Group is thrilled to be a part of this exciting transformation! The mission of the Wallace, to both showcase the authentic arts history of the South Plains and to be a generator of new education, entertainment, and economic opportunities for Levelland, is one we believe in. Working with Alycyn and the Wallace team has been a joy.”
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.
As the Wallace Theater prepares for its highly anticipated grand reopening, these transformative renovations are set to elevate the venue to new heights, offering a captivating experience for patrons and solidifying its position as a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in the community.
The Wallace Theater is a multimillion dollar capital investment in the future of Levelland, Hockley County and West Texas. Support has been provided by The CH Foundation, The FMH Foundation, The Helen Jones Foundation, Inc., United Supermarkets, The Rea Charitable Trust, Hockley County Endowment, The Community Foundation of West Texas, Wayne & JoAnn Moore Foundation, Black Gold Electric, Independent Electric, Smith Auto Family, Sundown State Bank, and many individuals and families around West Texas and across the country. The Project is working with local vendors as much as possible to continue to drive local economic investment. The Wallace Theater will complete the capital fundraising efforts for the project in 2024. Naming rights for various spaces are available and the Wallace Theater is seeking continued community support for the project. To be part of the project visit www.WallaceTheaer.com/donate or contact Alycyn Keeling at Alycyn@WallaceTheater.com.
The Wallace was built in 1928 by Wallace Blankenship. By 1954 it was part of the largest small-town theatre chain in America with over 30 theatres in the West Texas Area. It was the hub for entertainment and holds many memories for many generations. In the 1980’s it closed its doors. After being closed for 30 years, The Wallace Theater was established as a nonprofit organization on July 14, 2015.