The 2,600-seat Civic Theatre, built in 1929 as the Akron Loew’s Theatre, was designed by the noted theatre architect John Eberson and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of five remaining Eberson-designed “atmospheric theatres.”

The expansion and restoration of The Civic has brought back its flamboyant elegance along with a new technical sophistication. A Grand Opening celebrated the completion of Phase 1 in November 2002.

The project is being completed in two-phases. Phase I included the complete renovation of the historic interior, restoring the distinctive plaster work and decorative painting. The expansion of the theatre, to allow it to present new arts programming, includes a “bustle” addition to the stagehouse, updated theater rigging and acoustical systems, and a new wing with improved front-of-house amenities. Phase II will include an expanded gift shop and box office on Main Street.

Project Info
Cost: $13,000,000
Complete: 2002
Scope: Master Plan, Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Administration
Client: Community Hall Foundation/Summit County Port Authority, Akron, OH
Staff: Scott Wilson, AIA; Barbara Sherman, IIDA; Will Horne, Job Captain

arts / entertainment

master planning

"When people walk into the Akron Civic Theatre they feel they are part of a larger community. We need public structures like the Civic to connect us to one another."
Dr. Mark Auburn, Dean, College of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Akron