Iowa Theater Building

2008 Cedar River flood expands scope and challenges
Theatre Cedar Rapids is one of the largest community theaters in Iowa. The company sought to make improvements to its 1925 Iowa Theater Building, and had just started a capital fundraising campaign when the Cedar River completely flooded downtown Cedar Rapids in 2008. The Theatre had to expand its scope to include a flood recovery effort.

The renovation/recovery project included a full basement remodel and expansion for performer dressing rooms, complete replacement of mechanical and electrical service equipment, a new expanded lobby, new main floor seating in a revised configuration to add seats and a second floor remodel for staff offices. The project also included modernizing spaces such as the addition of classroom/black box theater space, conversion of the existing coffee shop to a lounge area, a new box office and refurbished house seating.