Case Study: Warren Opera House, Iowa

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.