Center Stage Theatre Rehabilitation

The project included the interior restoration of the Central School Auditorium for school and community use as Center Stage Theatre. The restoration generally included seating, original finishes, window and door restoration, provision of historically appropriate lighting fixtures, carpeting and other miscellaneous elements. New mechanical/electrical systems and new theatrical lighting and sound systems were sensitively incorporated into the facility.

Significant energy saving features were incorporated into this project partly through the incorporation of geothermal (ground source heat pump) heating/air conditioning systems. One of the great benefits of geothermal heating/cooling systems for historic buildings is that no outside equipment is required other than below grade wells, piping and valves. The interior equipment is much smaller than traditional systems and can be accommodated within historic buildings with less impact upon the original configuration or materials.

The results of this rehabilitation were thanks to an amazing city/school board/community/individual fund raising and awareness effort. Grant funds were received from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, National Trust for Historic Places and through the MS Building Fund for the Arts. The facility is used as the school auditorium, but is also being used as the local community theatre – with a broad range of activities scheduled.