winter/spring 2022

ENERGY SAVINGS FOR A "GREENER" DESOTO

Atlanta-based Southface Institute, a national  environmental non-profit, awarded the DeSoto Theatre a $30,000 grant in Spring 2021 for technical assistance and energy-savings projects  to make the DeSoto's historic 1929 stucture a "greener" building. With environmental upgrades carefully identified, prioritized and funded by Southface,  the DeSoto will be able to reduce its energy costs and redirect those funds to ongoing restoration efforts and core programming. The 2:1 match grant requires that DeSoto contribute a $15,000 match in funds raised from the community.

In consultation with Southface, Energy Consulting Services in Atlanta was hired in the fall of 2021 to insulate, air seal and weatherize the historic DeSoto Theatre. As a way to highlight Southface's new commitment to help historic theatres, the non-profit was going to feature the Historic DeSotoTheatre Foundation in partnership with Rome Little Theatre at Southface's annual fall fundraising gala in Atlanta.  Cancelled due to a surge in Covid cases,  the gala was to feature RLT actors helping provide the evening's entertainment  in front of a large audience from Atlanta's business and philanthropic community.  Southface is currently in the process of interviewing several DeSoto and community members, filming a piece about the direct benefits that their energy conservation will provide to the arts. 

FALL 2021

CONCESSIONS LOUNGE FURNITURE

Thanks to a generous donation from Romans Linda and Jim Owens, and in preparation for numerous concerts and holiday events, the Concessions Lounge is now beautifully furnished with consoles, chairs and wall hangings. The center of the room is open for concessions lines and community gatherings.  

JUNE 2021

FURNISHINGS FOR THE STYLISH DESOTO LOUNGE

We are thankful to life-long Roman Villa Sulzbacher Hizer for her impactful legacy gift earmarked towards beautifying the front rooms of the DeSoto.  Her gift this year allowed us to add the beautiful period antique furniture and reproductions that complement the  custom-made, curved, floating bench that she helped fund in 2020. 

The beautiful new  look for the lounge came together thanks also to the vision and generosity of interior designer Tommy Lam. With an uncanny ability to remember every detail of what his grandfather O.C. Lam's theater used to look like, Tommy brought the 1940s Art Deco Lounge back to life. 

The most stylish room in town is now the DeSoto Lounge!  We are excited to welcome back the  re-created style and sophistication of the Jewel of Broad Street during the glamorous Hollywood Regency era!

January 2021

New auditorium heat and air units, thanks in part to a GCA $75,000 grant

We're honored to have won a  competitive, state-wide grant in Fall 2020 that helped us replace and relocate the auditorium's hvac units. The timing could not have been more perfect, as air filtration and ventilation especially in public places take on new, critical importance in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Winning the Georgia Council for the Arts Cultural Facilities Grant reinforces the importance of the DeSoto and other arts and culture  facilities to serve as economic engines for their communities. Completed successfully, the GCA grant opens the doors to additional grants and projects that may have an even bigger impact. But we need your help! A 60/40 grant means that our community must have a buy-in into the project. With your donations and by helping us spread the word, you can help us raise $40,000 to complete this important $115,000 project.

october 2020

Historic recreation of the curved, floating banquette seat in the DeSoto Lounge