Constructed in years 1912 through 1913, the Ritz Theater was originally a vaudeville house. In 1929, it was converted to show motion pictures & later remodeled in 1939 to its current configuration. In 1975, the local Chamber of Commerce undertook a significant exterior rehabilitation of the building. The Theater was designated as a contributing resource in the Rockville Historic District listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Currently owned by the Parke Players, a non-profit theater group that uses the facility for live dramatic performances, the theater also continues to show movies on a limited basis.

 

Jacobs Pannicke Architects, Inc. (JPA) provided the client with design services for interior improvements to the theater lobby, ticket booth, concession stand, restroom facilities & auditorium. Multiple options were presented to the client at the end of Schematic Design. After a thorough review, final plans were devised to accommodate the needs of the Parke Players. The design ensured the retention of important historic features such as the original ticket booth which provided a much-needed box office for the Parke Players. Construction Documents were prepared along with a performance specification for a new HVAC system that was developed in association with Hoffman Engineers, Inc. Recommendations for acoustic products & layouts for the auditorium were also provided.

 

The renovations provide for handicap accessibility & additional restroom facilities that meet current code considerations. An existing lease space was utilized to expand the theater’s facilities.

 

Square Feet:  12,000

Construction Completion:  Spring 2004

Construction Cost:  $ 110,000