The Ritz Theatre Inc. shared new architectural renderings of how the historic Corpus Christi landmark could look after a planned rehabilitation and addition.
The theater, which dates to 1929, has sat empty since 1989, deteriorating.
Now, the organization plans to return the building to its former glory, opening up the lobby, repainting the interior of the theater to match its earlier design and adding a new event center/ballroom space in the empty lot alongside it.
"For years, people have talked about what The Ritz could become," The Ritz Theatre Inc. Executive Director Art Seago said in a news release. "These renderings allow our community to begin to see it. We are preserving the history and character that make The Ritz special while creating
a venue that will serve Corpus Christi and South Texas in ways this building never could before."
The Ritz Theatre Inc., which plans to reopen The Ritz in 2029, when it would be 100 years old, envisions the space hosting live entertainment, theater, concerts, movies, educational programs, community events, and private events and rentals.
The addition would include a large event space, a commercial kitchen, bars, a cafe, a VIP lounge and additional gathering spaces.
Gignac Architects and Performance Architecture are responsible for the design, with Fulton Construction serving as the project's construction partner. Schuler Shook is also providing expertise on theater planning, lighting, and audio and video design, and EverGreene Architectural Arts is providing experience in historic architecture, decorative arts and preservation.
The renderings represent the project's current design and will continue to evolve as final construction documents are complete, according to an email from Seago.
The Ritz Theatre Inc. launched a $25 million capital campaign last week, raising more than $2 million in the campaign as of Sept. 25, Seago shared in an email.
The fundraising team will be having conversations with individuals, foundations, businesses and other potential supporters, according to the email.
In May, the Caller-Times visited The Ritz while workers from EverGreene Architectural Arts identified original paint colors inside the theater. Photos show the current decayed state inside the building, a sharp contrast to the clean vision of the renderings.
Seago said in the email they are currently on target for a groundbreaking early next year, with completion in fall 2029.
Coming soon to the Ritz
Though the space is not yet ready, the group is already hosting events in the community.
On Oct. 9, The Ritz Spotlight Series will feature Tom "Bones" Malone as a special guest of The Texas Bluesmen at Bar Under the Sun.
Malone performed as a member of the Blues Brothers Band on "Saturday Night Live" and appeared in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers."
More information and tickets are available at ccritz.com/events.
Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: New renderings show how historic Ritz Theatre could look after rehab
