Supplementary Material to an Application for a Historic Preservation Grant-in-AidFive Flags (:enter
Dubuclue, Iowa
In Observance
& Commemoration
of the 200th Anniversary
or the United States of America
0
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
To An
APPLICATION FOR A
HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT-IN-AID
United States Department Of The Interior
National Park Service
Office Of Archeology And Historic Preservation
National Register Of Historic Places
Washington, D.C. 20240
Through
State Historic Preservation Officer
State Of Iowa
Submitted by
FIVE FLAGS CENTER FUND
256 West Tenth Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
I
October - 1973
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,FIVE FLAGS CENTER FUND
FORWARD
This material represents a supplement to the application of the Five Flags Center
Fund for financial and technical assistance to restore, reconstruct and to make
otherwise suitable for contemporary use a significant theater located in the City
of Dubuque.
The theater is representative of the transition period between the 1870's Victor-
ian theater style and design and the early 19th Century playhouse which while
retaining individual boxes and the Family Circle, introduced among other features,
fixed, forward facing seating on both the main floor and in the balcony area. A
number of interior features are reminiscent of early French music hall design.
The Five Flags Center Fund in consultation with Andrew Craig Morrison, a theater
architectural restoration historian, and Charles Geroux, a theater historian, has
and will continue to develop for implementation a plan and program of restoration
to preserve this facility and yet, simultaneously accomplish those 'items of mod-
ernization and renovation imperative to assure that the theater structure will ac-
commodate the widest range of activities and events that size will permit. The
honesty of the exterior of the theater will be maintained as originally designed
and constructed. The integrity of the interior will also be honored.
The enclosed documentation sets forth the general specifications for work items
required to
1. Meet the requirements of building, fire and life safety codes applicable
to this structure as concurred in by building and fire prevention officials,
2. Restore and/or otherwise renovate and modernize as the occasion may
require the exterior and interior of the structure, and
3. Provide a new addition in which to locate and house certain elements
essential for the full use of the theater structure.
Detailed plans and specifications are yet to be fully prepared for the total Five
Flags Center Fund project. That portion of such material covering the restoration
of the exterior of the theater and the construction of the new addition will be com-
pleted in late November for advertising in the early spring of 1974. The balance
of the material covering the theater interior requires further input from the consul-
tants previously identified, and the determination of a funding level/s to develop
a phased construction schedule to accommodate in a logical manner all of the
work required to be performed.
- "-Photographs and other recognized and acceptable methods of identification and
verification shall be utilized to assure the authenticity of restoration work. All
interior decorative plaster and metal work as originally designed will be dupli-
cated in those areas where the original material has deteriorated or has been
otherwise replaced. Replacement of exterior ornamentation shall be accomplished
in this same manner. Fabrics and paints as to color and texture will be researched
to duplicate original installation.
The Five Flags Center Project includes the restoration of an existing theater and
the construction of a Promenade and Exhibition -Arts building. The Promenade
provides a multi -purpose addition in which will be housed a fire stair tower serv-
ing the theater, work areas and public rest rooms to support theater activities,
a gathering place for visitors and a unique multi -media center. In severalinstanc-
es a single piece of equipment will be installed to serve jointly the restored thea-
ter, the Promenade and the Exhibition -Arts building in lieu of installing smaller
units to separately serve each facility. These installations will reflect a conser-
vation of space, a reduction of construction costs and a decrease in maintenance
expense. In such instances a pro -ration of the capacity of the equipment allo-
cated to the theater will be determined for cost control. In general approximate-
ly one-third of the rated capacity of all such equipment so installed will be thea-
ter related. All of the mechanical equipment in the theater that is.to be replaced
is either obsolete and/or unsafe in its present condition.
It is recognized and acknowledged that the plans and specifications relating to
the scope of work contemplated by this application are subject to review and
agreement by the Office of the Iowa State Historic Preservation Officer.
Included as an addendum to this documentation is a description of the theater as
provided by Andrew Craig Morrison. The purpose of including this material is to
provide the reviewing authorities a copy of the material which delineates in part
a guide used in developing the plan of restoration and to be followed in the imple-
mentation of actual restoration work.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Theater
Exterior
All masonry work is to be tuck -pointed, cleaned and sealed after damaged brick
and stonework are matched and replaced.
The sheet metal cornice with the integral dentils, block modiilions and the high
paneled frieze directly above shall be cleaned and checked for damage. Where
necessary, they shall be replaced with new panels made from molds, forms or
patterns formed from the originals. All sheet metal work shall be back flashed
and primed. All joints shall be sealed to insure water -tightness.
The corner detail at the north face of the northeast corner shall duplicate the
treatment of the opposite front corner. This includes the stone base, brick
quoins above and below the stone water table and capped with the sheet metal
cornice and frieze and scrolled brackets. I
The high paneled mansard treatment with the ceramic tile facing shall be re-
paired, cleaned and made watertight. The end bay at the north side with the met-
al cap shall duplicate the treatment of the south wall. The parapet between this
bay and the high loft area above the stage shall be raised sufficiently to allow
for adequate flashing at the roof line. A new cap shall be provided.
The existing roof shall be replaced and properly flashed and counter -flashed at
all openings, parapets and changes in roof level. The sub roof structure shall
be checked for water damage and replaced as required.
All dormers shall be examined for damages and leakage and replaced or repaired
as required. They shall be cleaned, reprimed and repainted with two coats of
enamel.
All block glass windows above the first floor shall be replaced with small panes
of glass in metal frame and muntins.
The two large first floor windows on both sides of the main entrance shall be re-
placed without the doors. The lower portion of these windows shall be a single
pane of glass and the upper transom area will be subdivided into small panes hav-
ing the character of the windows above the first floor.
The vertical Orpheum sign and supporting members together with the marquee shall
be removed, and replaced with a smaller but ornamental metal canopy of a scale
consistent with the treatment of the front facade. The new marquee shall be a
duplicate to the extent possible of the original installation as viewed from pho-
tographs and the architectural rendering of the total theater at the time of design.
The box office and applied facing covering the brick pilasters which house the
poster displays shall be removed. The existing entrance doors straddling the box
office shall be replaced with a series of doors across the total center bay as orig-
inally provided. A new box office shall be incorporated within an enlarged lobby.
Auditorium
Metal lath and plaster will be used on walls, ceilings, balcony railings and
other surfaces to patch existing dama-ged-surfaces and ornamentations and other
areas damaged to accommodate new mechanical duct work, piping, electrical fix-
tures, conduits and alarm systems. The repair and replacement of decorative
plastering and sheet metal work will be duplicate of original work. All decora-
tive painting will be as require8 to restore the auditorium to its original condi-
tion.
All painted walls and the ceiling will be examined for evidence of mure.ls or other
special decorations. These will be evaluated for restoration on an individual
basis if any are so uncovered.
The existing fabric floor covering will be replaced with carpeting having a flame
spread rating of 75 or less. Balcony box curtains and upholstery material on
seats will be treated with flame retardant chemicals.
The abandoned orchestra pit will be restored in a modified and enlarged form to
permit a greater diversity of use. The pit or platform will be hydraulically oper-
ated to serve as a sunken orchestra pit cr raised to the level of the stage to serve
as a fore stage or an extension of the stage to accommodate a full complement of
a symphony orchestra. This will require the removal of three rows of auditorium
seating.
A number of the present house lights will be replaced with fixtures as originally
installed in the auditorium.
Balconies
The upper balcony (Family Circle) will be reactivated by removing the temporary
partition and all damaged items repaired and all surfaces refinished. A sprinkler
system will be installed in this area to compensate for the wood construction.
The existing stairway leading directly to the outside from the rear of this upper
balcony will have its --nclosing walls remodeled to provide a two hour separation.
The doors leading into the stair tower shall be "B" label. At the rear of the main
balcony (Dress Circle) behind the projection room, a vestibule will be provided
to lead into the stair tower for egress from this level.
Exits will be provided along the north wall at each balcony level through new
wall openings equipped with "A" label doors leading to horizontal exits that
in turn lead to a stair tower that exits directly to the outside, i
Approved panic hardware will be installed on the existing exit doors at the south
side of the building. The fire escapes on the south wall will be placed in oper-
able condition.
All seating will be refurbished and the fabric duplicated from the original instal-
lation and treated with flame retardant chemicals.
Guard rails protecting termination of descending stairs in the upper balcony will
be installed not less than 36 inchesabove the floor level. Seat cushions or
backs will be provided for the high back bench seating located in this balcony
area..
Motion Picture Projection Room'
The projection room will be reconstructed and enlarged to include the installa-
tion of sanitary facilities and space for stage lighting equipment.
Stage
The grid irons, fly galleries and pin rails will be constructed of noncombustible
materials designed to support not less than 75 pounds per square foot. The
proscenium wall separating the auditorium and stage will be of two hour noncom-
bustible construction. A portion of the stage floor in this area will also be re-
placed with noncombustible material. The openings in the proscenium wall and
stage will be protected by a fire assembly curtain with a one and a half hour
fire resistive rating. The main pros cenium opening will be provided with a self -
closing fire resistive curtain.
The stage will be equipped with a ventilator operated from the stage floor by
hand. The ventilator will also be operable by fusible links or by an automatic
heat and/or smoke activated device.
The stage will be provided with a fire control station with the following equipment.
Telltale lights
Sprinkler system valve indicators
Public address system
Alarm system which will not sound an alarm audible in the audience
or seating portion of the theater
The motion picture screen will be rehung on a lightweight metal frame designed
to be lifted back and up to permit the use of the total stage for other activities.
The entire stage area will be sprinkled.
_-Lobby
The existing concession stand walls, box office and walls of shop areas will
be removed and metal lath and plaster will be used to patch existing surfaces
and ornamentation. A new box office will be installed in this enlarged lobby.
The present carpeting will be replaced with material having an approved flame
spread rating. Existing doors and frames will be restored to their original con-
dition. The wood partition in the mezzanine arch overlooking the lobby will be
removed and the arch restored as originally constructed.
Dressing Room Area
The dressing room area will be remodeled and rebuilt for contemporary use by
replacing existing partitions and sanitary facilities. The exterior of the existing
stairway to the stage area will be rebuilt and enclosed with a "B" label door, and
a second exit with an "A" label door will be installed through the north wall into
a stair hall located in the lowe'r level of the Promenade. The boiler room will be
isolated from the dressing room area with two hour minimum construction. The
accessibility to the existing prompter's box will be improved.
An approved sprinkling system will be installed throughout the total basement
area including the front basement space utilized for miscellaneous storage.
Electrical System
The existing obsolete single phase service presently serving the theater will be
replaced by a new 480/277 volt 100 ampere service for the restored theater, the
Promenade and the new Exhibition -Arts Center.
The present rigid conduit runs are suitable for rewiring with modern insulated
wire to replace the rubber -covered cable which is badly aged. Approximately
one-third of the new electrical service is attributable to the theater.
A 50 kilowatt natural gas generator will be installed to provide emergency light-
ing, and a separate exit lighting service will be installed to meet specific life
safety requirements. Approximately one-third of this generator is also attribut-
able to theater use.
The stage switchboard will be upgraded.
Heating System
A 150 horsepower low pressure zoned controlled, two pipe steam system will be
installed in the lower level of the Promenade to replace the present obsolete and
aged cast iron sectional boiler. The new boiler will be gas -oil dual fuel fired,
with an'eight or ten thousand gallon underground oil storage tank to be placed in
the service road located at the rear of the theater. The present piping evidencing
leakage and numerous repairs will be replaced. It is estimated that the equiva-
lent of a 40 horsepower boiler would be required for theater use.
Air Conditioning System
Air conditioning will be provided by use of roof -mounted air handling units or a
60 ton central chiller using the existing well for cooling to replace the present
air handling system comprised of a well water cooling coil, a 100% outdoor air
intake, a bank of filters and a forward curved fan. The present fiber board duct
work will be replaced with fire resistive material.
Both the well equipment and the well appear to be in satisfactory condition with
an adequate flow of water.
Plumbing
All plumbing fixtures will be replaced, and an enlarged public rest room will be
incorporated in the Promenade. The domestic hot water heater will be replaced
and water bubblers will be installed as required. All of the water supply piping
will be replaced.
Ventilation
Ventilation will be provided by a 50 kilowatt generator to be located in a fire-
proof structure in the adjoining Promenade. It is estimated that a generator with
approximately one-third of this capacity would be required for theater use only.
Fire Exits
A Class A fire tower with approved exit doors to each theater level and termi-
nating on the ground floor on the exterior will be installed as a part of the Prom-
enade on the north side of the theater. The present south exterior fire escape
including exit doors on all levels on the south side of the theater will be placed
in operating condition. Two additional doors from the first floor of the theater
to the Promenade will be installed in the theater north wall. All present inter-
ior stairs will be retained and recarpeted with fire resistive material.
The placement of the new fire tower in the Promenade will be accomplished at
less costthan installing such a stair tower in the existing theater building.
More importantly, the theater interior will not be disturbed for this purpose.
ADDENDUM
Description of the Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is a rectangular building which occupies the entire lot at
the northwest corner of Main and Fourth Streets. The principal facade, facing
Main Street, is three and one half stories high. It is of red brick and is divided
into three bays which are defined by vertical bands of yellow brick laid so as to
give the effect of ashlar block piers. At the first floor level the outer bays con-
tain metal and glass storefronts set within low segmental arches of yellow brick
treated as ashlar voussoirs. The central bay originally contained a series of en-
trance doors beneath a segmental -arched marquee of metal and glass which was
in turn set within a large stoned -framed semicircular- arch. The entryway has
been altered to incorporate an exterior box office and a marquee of later type.
The central entry arch extends into the second story. To either side of it is a
wide horizontal stone band treated as a parapet. In the center of each side bay
this is brought forward as a shallow.balcony. To either side of the central arch
this feature supports a series of four ornamental metal light standards. Above
each balcony is a large window topped by a segmental -arched panel and hood
mould. To either side of each window is a narrow limestone band extending up-
ward to the cornice.
The third story contains a stone -framed square window in each outer bay and a
round window topped by a bound -leaf garland in the central bay. The third story
is crowned by a sheet metal cornice which.incorporates both dentils and block mo-
dillions. The cornice is supported by pairs of scrolled brackets at the pier lines
and simpler brackets to either side of each window. Above the cornice is a high
paneled sheet metal parapet and above it a high convex mansard roof of ceramic
tile. The mansard faces forward only. In each bay it contains an elaborately
framed dormer and the central bay is broken slightly forward to give a pavilion
effect. This feature is topped by an ornamental metal cresting with scrolled cor-
ner cartouches.
The south (Fourth Street) elevation is of lesser architectural character, constructed
of red brick with ornamental banding of yellow brick and limestone. The remain-
ing facades are of common red brick, unornamented.
The principal interior spaces are the lobby and the auditorium. The lobby is ap-
proximately square with a high, wide barrel vaulted ceiling richly ornamented
with floral rope moldings. The auditorium is rectangular in shape with a partially
domed, partially flat ceiling. The room is highly ornamental character, detailed
as an adaptation of the French Renaissance style. The proscenium arch with its
central cartouche, box enframements and balcony fasciae are particularly notable.
There are two tiers of proscenium boxes and three balconies. The lowest balcony
is treated as a horseshoe -shaped ring of eleven boxes, the center balcony as a
standard theatre balcony and the upper level as a family circle with separate
street entrance and high-backed wooden benches.
The theatre contains a full working stage and originally had an orchestra pit. The
total seating capacity is close to 1000 persons.
Source: Andrew Craig Morrison, September 26, 1972
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