Gibbs Construction met and exceeded all expectation. Many thanks for all the dedicated staff at Gibbs Construction for completion of this historic treasure.
-Kelly Parenton | Civic Theatre LLC
Civic Theatre, one of New Orleans’ oldest entertainment venues dating back to 1906, played an integral role in the cultural scene of the city for nearly 80 years before closing in the 1980s. Gibbs Construction became an instrumental partner with the design team, through a CMAR contract, to address the myriad of challenges posed by the nearly insurmountable set of obstacles, including 20 years of general decay.
Crews were required to perform a vast amount of demolition including asbestos and lead paint remediation, removal of the entire roof structure, gallery, existing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, all ground floor concrete, and any questionable structural items.
After the completion of demolition, Gibbs installed a new structural steel roof beam and structural components at the gallery, reinforced the existing steel balcony, constructed a new roof deck, and applied a specified foam roof system. Extensive repairs to all existing ornamental plaster became essential to restore this historic theatre. A specialized team of plaster craftsmen refurbished the column capitals, intricate corbels and balcony embellishments.
Additional work included pouring concrete entry and exit alleyways, tuckpointing and sealing the masonry facade, installing MEP systems, building out dressing rooms, offices and ornate restrooms, constructing a new wood stage, retrofitting a new hydraulic orchestra pit, and installing state-of-the-art audio, visual and lighting systems.
The historic restoration of the iconic Civic Theatre imbues new life and vitality into this entertainment venue. Gibbs has since grown this thriving downtown New Orleans corner with the construction of Reginelli’s Pizzeria, the Ste. Marie Restaurant, Jamba Juice, Walk-On’s Bistreaux, The Roux House, Happy’s Irish Pub, the Civic Lofts, and 930 Poydras Apartments.
Project Facts
Type
Renovation, Addition
Budget
$5.3M
Size
15,700 sf
Owner
Civic Theatre LLC
Architect
Eskew+Dumez+Ripple
Completion
2012
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