Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center

The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, originally the Keith-Albee Theatre, opened its doors in 1928 as a vaudeville performance venue. It was designed by architect Thomas Lamb in the then-popular atmospheric style, pioneered by architect John Eberson. Following the hallmark of atmospheric theaters the historic decoration included bright polychromic colors, stenciling, transparent glazing and a combination of metallic finishes, including imitation gold leaf and metallic paints on textured and ornamental surfaces. The auditorium was lined with Spanish-style buildings with the domed ceiling above decorated to look like the night sky. In 2023, the theatre closed for infrastructure upgrades and restoration.

EverGreene was contracted to restore the interior plaster and decorative finishes in the auditorium, the lobbies, stairways, and lounges, and to conserve the fire curtain. A general survey, condition assessment, and paint study identified original color schemes and various cleaning tests to inform of cleaning, conservation treatments, and repair. It was determined that the original decorative finishes were generally in good condition and were to be preserved to the greatest extend possible. Areas that had been poorly patched or painted in past repairs were replicated to their original appearance. Missing ornamental plaster was cast and installed. Flat wall surfaces were patched, painted, and glazed to match the original appearance. Darkened or damaged shellac protective coatings on gilded ornament were stripped and reapplied.

Additionally, the auditorium fire curtain was cleaned, the flaking and friable paint consolidated, missing paint infilled, and a protective varnish applied. The canvas fire curtain had originally been treated with fireproof asbestos, typical for the time, and therefore required special care and encapsulation.