Carpenter Theatre

Richmond, VA

Architect:

Wilson Butler Architects

As part of the City of Richmond’s 2002 Downtown Master Plan, the historic 1928 Carpenter Theatre was reimagined as the anchor for a new performing arts complex—serving as a catalyst for cultural and economic revitalization in the city’s core. Originally designed by John Eberson as an atmospheric-style movie palace, the theater underwent a major restoration and expansion to form what is now the Dominion Energy Center, a multi-venue arts campus spanning a full city block. The project preserved the building’s distinctive architectural character while introducing new venues and infrastructure to support a growing arts community and better serve artists, audiences, and residents throughout the region.

The Projects Group was brought on in 2004 as Owner’s Representative and Project Manager, guiding the $63 million effort through design and construction until its completion in 2009. The project included the full renovation and restoration of the 2,000-seat Carpenter Theatre, construction of a 250-seat multipurpose community theater and a jazz club, and integration of upgraded public, backstage, and support areas. The facility also houses the administrative offices of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation. TPG worked closely with the design and construction teams to align the project with the city’s long-term vision, helping deliver a complex that balances historic preservation with functionality, that continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone for the community.