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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe historic Duncan Auditorium at Tampa Theatre. Photo by Daria Mironova\/WMNF News<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe historic Duncan Auditorium at Tampa Theatre. Photo by Daria Mironova\/WMNF News<\/p>\n
For nearly 100 years, the sounds inside Tampa Theatre have been those of organ tunes, classic films, and applause echoing under its iconic star-filled ceiling. Today, they have been replaced by the sharp rhythm of a rotary hammer.<\/p>\n
Construction crews are carefully restoring the historic Duncan Auditorium, preserving its decorative plaster, original paint colors, and architectural details before Tampa Theatre\u2019s 100th anniversary this October.<\/p>\n
The project is the largest restoration in the theatre\u2019s history. It is expected to cost approximately $30 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rehabilitation and renovation of a building like this is not an event. It\u2019s a process,\u201d Jill Witecki, Vice President and Director of Marketing & Community Relations at Tampa Theatre, said.<\/p>\n
A theatre worth fighting for<\/p>\n
When Tampa Theatre opened in 1926, it was one of America\u2019s grand silent movie palaces. It was designed by renowned architect John Eberson.<\/p>\n
Over the decades, it survived the Great Depression, World War II, changing entertainment trends, the rise of television, and, as Witecki jokingly noted, \u201call seven Police Academy movies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Its greatest challenge, however, happened in the early 1970s, when the aging building was slated for demolition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt says a lot about a city what it chooses to save,\u201d Witecki said.<\/p>\n
Instead of tearing the theatre down, the City of Tampa purchased the building in 1973, valuing its historical and architectural significance despite the cost of restoration. It reopened in 1976. The theatre became a nonprofit cultural institution, continuing to preserve the landmark through a series of restoration projects, including the current renovation.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_6267-300x193.jpg\")
Tampa Theatre\u2019s restoration. Photo by Daria Mironova\/WMNF News
\nPiece by piece<\/p>\n
Today, workers are repairing cracked plaster, recreating decorative finishes by hand, and carefully matching century-old paint colors throughout the Duncan Auditorium. Even after the current work is complete, Witecki says the effort to preserve Tampa Theatre will continue.<\/p>\n
Helping lead the restoration is Christopher Reeder, a superintendent with EverGreene Architectural Arts.<\/p>\n
Although the company is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Reeder says they work with local artisans whenever possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to hire locals,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s good for the local economy. It\u2019s good PR. Everyone at our company was once a local somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Reeder, Tampa Theatre is one of many historic places he has helped restore. But decorative finishes and Eberson\u2019s signature atmospheric design make this project especially distinctive.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all the crazy color scheme,\u201d Reeder said. \u201cObviously, you\u2019ve got the starry night ceiling.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_6300-300x225.jpg\")
Starry sky ceiling restoration. Photo by Daria Mironova\/WMNF News
\nCreating space for future generations<\/p>\n
While much of the current project focuses on preserving Tampa Theatre\u2019s past, another major component is designed to shape its future. One of the most significant additions is 3,000 square feet of educational space. It will give the nonprofit organization a permanent home and opportunity to grow its summer camps and cultural programs for kids and adults.<\/p>\n
Education has always been part of Tampa Theatre\u2019s mission, but available space limited what it could offer. The expansion reflects its goal not only as a historic movie palace, but also as a community gathering place, where new generations can experience film, history, and the arts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve always been limited by the space that we had,\u201d Witecki said. \u201cNow we\u2019re going to be able to give summer camp and so many programs like that a permanent home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why Tampa Theatre still matters<\/p>\n
When Tampa Theatre celebrates its centennial in October, the festivities will pay tribute to opening night in 1926.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou only have one chance to have a 100th birthday party,\u201d Jill Witecki said.<\/p>\n
The celebration will recreate elements of the theatre\u2019s debut, including remarks from community leaders, live music, and a silent film accompanied by live music \u2013 just as audiences experienced a century ago.<\/p>\n
Tampa Theatre remains one of the few theaters in the country where moviegoers can still watch silent films with live musical accompaniment, preserving an experience that has largely disappeared from American cinemas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you walk into Tampa Theatre for the first time, it is jaw-dropping,\u201d Witecki said. \u201cWe are the current generation of people responsible for making sure this building sees another hundred years.\u201d<\/p>\n
That responsibility extends beyond construction crews and preservation experts.<\/p>\n
As a nonprofit organization, Tampa Theatre depends on the support of members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers to continue caring for one of the city\u2019s most recognizable landmarks.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody works in nonprofit arts to get rich,\u201d Witecki said. \u201cYou do it because you\u2019re passionate about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
That passion, she says, is about creating unforgettable first impressions. It is their job to make sure every person in Tampa \u2013 and especially the kids \u2013 has the experience of walking into Tampa Theatre for the first time, feeling its history and importance.<\/p>\n
Soon, the sounds of construction will be replaced by the sounds that have defined Tampa Theatre for nearly a century: music, movies, and applause.<\/p>\n
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