Platinum Winner: Commercial Remodel

Remodeler: Creative Contracting North Wales, Pa. Architect: Karl R. Weiss Pennsburg, Pa.

Throughout the 17-week remodel, Creative Contracting had to make sure the theater could stay open for shows every weekend. That meant working long days and during off hours to keep things running.  After photos by Ozzie Oswald, RVO Photography

Modern Jewel with Vintage Flavor

Creative Contracting was hired to transform this 1950s-style theater to a modern venue for live performances. The owner wanted to update the theater's lobby while at the same time preserving the historic character of the building, parts that dated back to the stables originally built on the site in 1894.

The biggest problem with the existing theater was a lack of space for people to gather before and after a show. The building was not able to accommodate the nightly crowds that often topped 300 people.

“He wanted to be able to sell more snacks, more drinks. He didn't want people to just come see the show and leave,” says project manager Rich Tomlinson.

The existing lobby was only about 200 square feet, coupled with a small outdoor patio. After remodeling, the theater has more than 800 square feet of public space, including a 400-square-foot deck that can comfortably seat more than 200 people.

To achieve the vintage look, Creative used reclaimed materials throughout the project, including the decorative doors on the exterior of the building, the barrel ceiling and trim throughout the lobby. The exterior was redesigned to better match the historic look of downtown Sellersville, Pa.