Renovations at the DeSoto
The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation maintains and preserves the DeSoto theatre's legacy for future generations.
Here are some highlights of our work over the years.
Vestibule (Vomitorium) Restoration 2008
Vestibule Restoration
Thanks to an expensive new roof in 2008, the DeSoto Theatre was able to finally start repairing plaster in the vestibule. The DeSoto was then awarded a grant from the newly-established Fox Theatre Institute. This allowed the Fox to research the original 1929 Adams-style colors in the domed ceiling and have its restoration experts paint the detailed ceiling.
Plaster Work
Local plaster expert British Brush restored the damaged plaster in the 1929 Adams-style ceiling, and the Fox Theatre Institute painted the ceiling in its original colors.
Facade Restoration 2011
Facade Restoration
The facade underwent major repairs in 2011, including wood trim, windows and plaster. The building was painted in the original 1929 white for a few years, settling later on a gray similar to when the Art Deco marquee was added in the 1940's.
Interior Restoration 2013
New seating
A major element of the 2013 renovation included historically-accurate new seating for 500 in the auditorium. The theatre originally seated over 1000 when it was built.
Interior Restoration 2013
Auditorium Walls
Decades of roof leaks had caused severe damage to the auditorium's plaster walls and to the Art Deco drawings, added during the 1940's renovation. The colors went back to the original brightness, based on paintings still visible backstage.
2013 Renovation/2021 Furnishings/2025 Window Treatments
Art Deco Lounge
The old concessions lounge area became a new lounge area with travertine floors, mirror and frame replaced. The 1940's Art Deco floating leather banquette, recreated from original drawings, went back on the curved wall on the right, and neon lights inside the dropped ceiling returned in LED. Window treatments inspired by original drawings were added to improve acoustics.
2013 Renovation/ 2015 Counter/2022 Furnishings/2025 Banquette & Window Treatments
Concessions Lounge
Rental space to the left of the vestibule was added as a new Concessions Lounge by removing a large pane of glass that separated the spaces. Double doors connect to the 7Hills Fellowship building, to facilitate flow for the church tenant's Sunday services at the DeSoto. Banquette, pleated curtain and window treatments to mirror Art Deco Lounge were added to improve room's acoustics.
2013 Renovation
Marble Bathrooms
Renovated bathrooms now have marble floors and walls, with Art Deco fixtures and lights reminiscent of an earlier era.
2015 Concessions Counter/Catering Kitchen
Catering Kitchen
Decades of storage was emptied and updated to make space for a catering kitchen behind the concessions counter.
2013 Renovation New Carpet / 2025 1929-Inspired Axminister Carpet
New Carpet
A red carpet was installed in 2015 after the auditorium renovations. It was replaced by an Axminister wool carpet in 2025, inspired on the original design from 1929.
2023 Retaining Wall
Retaining Wall
A retaining wall was added at the back of the building to prevent further deterioration to the stage and backstage due to decades of water damage.
2023 & 2024
Critical & Urgent Repairs
A Preservation Plan and Existing Conditions Assesment Report identified severe safety issues in the building that threatened a shutdown. Over $400,000 was invested in less than a year to correct deficiencies, all the way from the crawl space to the attic. Extensive rewiring included bringing back to life the original 1929 alabaster and plaster ceiling medallions in the auditorium.