Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) –
After years of planning and construction, the Dothan Opera House has officially completed its extensive renovation project, blending historic charm with modern updates to better serve the Wiregrass community.
Josh Dickerson, General Services Project Manager for the City of Dothan, said the project has been nearly two years in the making, from design to completion.
“There’s a lot of excitement with this project,” Dickerson said. “It allows the city to provide a space that’s multifunctional—whether it’s a dance, concert, or a small intimate performance.”
One major goal of the renovation was to preserve the building’s historic character. Originally built in 1915, the Opera House is listed on the historic registry, which meant the city had to follow strict preservation guidelines. Inside the original structure, the city opted for vintage-style paint colors and lighting fixtures to reflect the building’s early 20th-century origins.
They also installed new carpet and brought in new furniture. They kept the seats in the theatre that were installed in the 70s.
In contrast, the new addition takes a modern approach, featuring sleek finishes like white baseboards, dark carpeting, light wall colors and updated audio-visual components.
“We tried to modernize the space while still preserving the history,” Dickerson said.
Major upgrades include a complete overhaul of the HVAC and electrical systems, including new switch gear, lighting and units that bring the building up to current codes and improve energy efficiency with LED technology.
The improvements are expected to make the space more versatile for events and performances throughout the region.
“I think it gives different groups of the Wiregrass the opportunity to have more functions here ,” Dickers explained.
The updated facility is designed to host a wide range of events, from school dances to concerts. Dickerson said the new AV package gives staff the tools to accommodate various audience types and performance styles.
With several events already on the calendar, Dickerson said he’s proud of what the team accomplished.
“We’re really grateful for the opportunity. We talk a lot about being stewards of the taxpayers’ money, and this project gives something meaningful back to the citizens.”
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