Theatres

Cripe Design, Architect of Record, in collaboration with Moody Nolan, Indianapolis, Indiana, developed the 68,200 square feet Lerner Project that included the expansion, renovation and restoration of the historic 1924 Theatre. The north Addition includes expanded lobby, handicapped accessible ramp to the Auditorium, new restrooms, offices, Green room, elevators, loading dock, 6,000 square feet Crystal Ballroom (see dedicated web page) , catering kitchen, grand stair, second floor lobby space, exterior balcony, new Basement dressing rooms, storage rooms and large rehearsal space. The Addition façade is designed to compliment and blend with the restored historic façade. The existing Theatre restoration includes the façade, existing Theatre Lobby, access stairs, second floor Lounge and entire 1,700 seat Auditorium and Balcony. Renovations consisted of expanded Lobbies, new restrooms, concession space, Auditorium vestibule, new projection booth, stagehouse, a complete state of the art technology & sound systems upgrade for the Auditorium and Stagehouse, new stage pit lift, and new Basement dressing rooms, and rehearsal/practice rooms for a resident Theatre group. The project has been nominated for several State and National historic restoration awards.

SMSQ Architects, Northfield, MN, in association with Daniel Cripe, were commissioned by the City of South Bend, Indiana, to create a complete Facilities Program and Schematic Design that evolved into a fully developed design of the 1922 vintage Morris Performing Arts Center and attached Palais Royale Ballroom. The proposed design included fully restoring the historic façade, Palais Royale Ballroom, Morris Auditorium, Lobbies and all ancillary facilities were updated and expanded. An all new Stage House was designed to accommodate the largest Broadway touring performances.