Warner Theatre - RESTORATION AND EXPANSION

• Weddings and Receptions
• Restoration and Expansion
• Restoration Photos
• History
• Donations
• Technical Information

In 1931, the Warner Theatre opened its doors as a movie palace and vaudeville stage. Its glorious art deco interior reflected the glamour of such performers as Jimmy Durante, Bob Hope and Sammy Kaye. The Warner’s environment was perfect for the performances of the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, but as technology has exploded with innovation, so have performances exploded with creativity. Now the Warner’s inadequate facility dramatically limits what our local arts groups can do and what traveling groups can present. More important, its deteriorating operating systems place continued performance in jeopardy.

The Warner Theatre Preservation Trust is raising money to restore and expand this exquisite theatre. The campaign has raised $4.4 million in community support. With the $9 million commitment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this project is well on its way to successful completion.  More will need to be raised before the project is done. 

HOW THE WARNER WILL CHANGE

• Repairing and repointing of exterior masonry and exquisite terra cotta reliefs
• Restoration of marquee
• Cleaning, repairing, painting or refinishing of all interior surfaces as needed
• Replication and replacement of draperies, tapestries and carpeting

• Comfortable new seats in a new arrangement providing more seat width and leg room (#1)
• Seating for the disabled (#2)
• New heating and air conditioning system
• Major expansion and updating of women’s rest rooms (#3)
• Complete updating of men’s rest rooms
• New elevators providing disability access and simplifying the moving of furniture, props and performers (#4)

• A 15-foot addition to the stage, greatly increasing the variety and quality of artistic offerings and making the theater more flexible as a meeting space (#5)
• New loading dock allowing for full scale productions and providing easier handling of sets, props and costumes
• New electrical systems, stage lighting, rigging and audiovisual systems
• New hydraulic lift orchestra pit and stage extension (#6)
• New orchestra shell
• Increased space for set storage (#7)
• New acoustics delivering better sound quality and clarity
• New dressing rooms and practice rooms (#8)
• New control rooms and "double door" noise isolation vestibules (#9)
• New rehearsal hall and meeting facilities (#10)

Restoration Status

Early in 1992, the Erie Area Fund for the Arts established the Metro Cultural Planning Committee, which was given the responsibility to assess Erie’s cultural needs. During that year, each of the area’s major arts groups presented their long-term strategic plans to the Committee. It became apparent ththat the less-than-ideal conditions of the Warner Theatre were a common concern throughout. Consequently, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Warner Theatre be the "Number One Priority" for any future capital fund drive for the arts; the restoration seemed to be a critical key to the cultural life of Erie.

In 1993, the committee was able to secure a grant from Erie County for the development of a Master Plan. This plan helped to determine the financial commitment necessary for the extensive restoration needed to assure the building’s future. Through work with local state legislators, the Committee was able to secure an $7 million appropriation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1994. That same year, the Warner Theatre Preservation Trust, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization was formed to guide the project  and plan the capital campaign to raise an additional $3.3 million dollars.

In December 1997, Governor Tom Ridge released its seven-million-dollars for the project and in January 1998, the Trust reached its first $3.3 million goal. In September 1998, the project’s architect was named: Daniel Coffey and Associates from Chicago teamed with Crowner/King of Erie. During the years 1999, 2000, and 2001, the project became delayed while the negotiation for the land on the corner of 9th and French moved slowly forward. In 1999, another $2 million was allocated to the project by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and another $1.2 million was raised locally bringing the total funds available to $13.5 million.