THE USDA PROJECT

WE’VE FINALLY DONE IT!

Thanks to the generous support of the Toccoa City Commission and grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Historic Ritz Theatre is now beautifully and meticulously renovated.

We began the renovation of the Ritz in 2012 in conjunction with the Currahee Arts Council, and when the City acquired the theatre in 2014, we increased efforts considerably. Beginning with a Fox Theatre Institute-funded market plan and an Historic Preservation Division-funded preservation plan, we’ve been able to restore the exterior façade, renovate the auditorium and lobby,

install an historically-inspired marquee, implement a state-of-the-art sound system, and this year, restore the balcony and renovate the basement and plaza.

In the balcony, you’ll find 90 hand-restored seats. The seats in the balcony are 80 years old – and they look like they were created yesterday! There may be a scratch or two along their backs… but be assured that that’s intentional. From the colors of the fabric, to the springs used in their repair, each seat has been hand-worked to its original integrity. The balcony also includes historically-inspired carpeting, safety upgrades, and a new sound booth.

In the plaza, you’ll see an Art Deco-style tile plaza installed expertly by the City of Toccoa Public Works Department. And in the basement, it’s almost as if you’ve stepped back in time.

With the help of downtown professional design firm, Angel Oak Home, we’ve renovated the Green Room and the two dressing rooms in an Art Deco manner. From the type of sconces utilized, to the plush velvet stools, to the tables installed, and even to the quartz countertops – everything in the basement oozes Art Deco.

Each room is fitted with a custom vinyl rug, and old Ritz memorabilia is present throughout. This is all thanks to the kind generosity of the fine folks at the Monroe office of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Come by and check it out sometime. We’ve completed a milestone at the theatre… the best is yet to come!