Folly Theater

The work done by BNIM in 2000 for the centennial renovation of the historic Folly Theater, specifically, the design of expanded lobby space with bar concession and expanded restroom facilities represented a tremendous improvement that essentially doubled the effective size of our public lobbies. Because the project involved re-adapting the area that formerly served as our administrative office, one challenge was to deal with the change of ceiling height from very high to very low, which was creatively addressed through the design of a vaulted ceiling that beautifully makes this transition. Given the limited space within which to work, we feel the functionality of our “new” lobby design could not be better.

By the time remodeling began, local birds had succeeded in making their presence readily apparent: nine tons of pigeon and other droppings were hauled away. When the theater opened in 1981, architect Bob Berkebile placed a pair of plaster pigeons above the box office, naming them Joan and George, after the Dillons, who were so instrumental in saving the theater.