report was revealed to the public. Ideas for
future use of the building included using
it as a flexible performance space for live
music and theater similar to a “black box”
theater; collaborative work spaces such as
maker spaces, co-working spaces or shared
art workspaces; and event space.
In July 2016, the theaters opened their doors
to RAGBRAI as Ottumwa played overnight
host. A display of vintage bikes was set up,
featuring about 30 different styles of vintage
bicycles spanning more than 90 years.
Then, in October 2017, the “first live performance
in the downtown theater in generations”
was held as the Better Block Project
hosted Rock the Block in the old theater
space.
More good news for the theaters followed a
year later. Facade work on the building won
the 2018 American Institute of Architects’
Central States Design Excellence Award in
Historic Preservation. It was presented to
Kevin Hoffman of RDG Planning & Design
and Pam Kaupins, a member of the ORLF
board at the time and co-chair of REACT.
The buildings have gone quiet again over the
past several months, but that doesn’t mean
nothing’s happening.
“There’s still been things being done that we
just don’t hear about,” said Myers Naumann.
“I think it’s hard to find use for a theater other
than as a theater, and that’s especially true
with the Ottumwa because it’s so large.”
A representative from ORLF said the organization
was not far enough along with the
plans for the theaters to publicly disclose
them.
“Having the theaters reopen, even if it’s just
one of them as a theater, for community use
would be wonderful,” said Myers Naumann.
“That would bring more people downtown,
and for different purposes. If you’re going
to go to the theater, you’re probably going
to have something to eat either before or
after. And so it would impact a number of
businesses downtown.
“Now that they’re being rehabbed and given
a second life, that’s a wonderful thing.”
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