The decorative finishes in the theater have been carefully restored.
The Warren Opera House was built on the town square in Greenfield, Iowa in 1896. The first floor originally held a dry goods store. The upper two floors housed the auditorium and balconies, as well as the owner’s apartment. Lately used as a community gathering space, the building suffered serious water damage, especially in the auditorium, which had a decorative dome ceiling.
Top: The auditorium suffered plaster damage before rehabilitation. Bottom: The Warren Opera House after rehabilitation.
During the rehabilitation, the plaster was repaired and restored along with the auditorium’s decorative finishes based on research conducted by a conservator. The building’s storefront was also restored to its historic appearance. New living space was created on the upper floors.
