COUNCIL APPROVES CONTRACT TO RENOVATE STATE THEATRE

The Hertford Town Council has approved a contract with Archsmith Studio to provide architectural services for the renovation of the Hertford State Theatre, a performing arts venue that has been closed since 1964. Council voted favorably for the contract on Monday, June 9. 

The approval moves council closer to announcing the start of renovations on the structure that the Town purchased in 2024. The Town has an $850,000 grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce available to help with the renovation costs.

Council voted to allow the Town to purchase the theatre for $125,000 in July 2024. The Town plans to renovate the facility after its previous owners acknowledged they were not "financially positioned to restore the theatre" to its historic purpose. With the help of government funded grants, the Town Council could bring the Church Street venue online for use by a new generation. 

Town Manager Doris Walton said Archsmith Studio architect Jacob Combee completed his initial review of the theatre on Friday, June 13. The Hertford State Theatre first opened in January 1937.

Archsmith Studio's work will include renovating the theatre in conformance with the requirements of the grant. Archsmith Studio is an architectural firm that specializes in repurposing existing spaces, particularly older buildings, for modern needs.