DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Playhouse has been putting on theatrical productions in the area for over 100 years.
Last fall, they began a $4.2 million renovation project, with the goals of expanding and enhancing their space. Now, a grant award is helping the project move along.
"Since November, we've engaged in the interior of the building, that meant ripping out the floors in three different rooms, making them all level, filling in and putting in some new walls and entrances and doors and just making the interior work and be so magical," said Executive Director David Kilpatrick.
The second phase of the project will now see the building expanded, with the additional 5,000 square feet allowing for a new costume shop, a second level administration building, and a multi-use space for meetings, classes, etc.
"Now, we are so excited to be able to kick off the exterior and that we get to do in part because of excellent support from the state of Iowa," Kilpatrick said.
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The Playhouse was recently awarded $400,000 through a Community Attraction and Tourism grant through the Enhance Iowa program.
Kilpatrick said the grant is a reminder of how important the arts are.
"It's just a testimony to how much the community believes in the arts and how much the community also believes in the Playhouse,” he said. “Having been here for 106 seasons, is to know that we still have respect, appreciation and love from our community."
Construction on the exterior expansion project is slated to kick off on May 1.
The Playhouse anticipates the expansion project to be completed by Oct. 31 of this year. The building will remain open and producing theatre throughout the project.