Palace Theater Restoration
by
Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin, Wisconsin
The Palace Theatre in Waterbury,
Connecticut was built by Sylvester Poli and designed by Thomas Lamb,
constructed in 1922. It originally seated 3,719 and is one of the largest
historic theatres in New England. The Palace was abandoned for fifteen years
prior to commencement of the $30 million restoration and renovation. Ornamental
plaster throughout the facility required replication or restoration. The weather
lobby was a particularly challenging area, as it had previously been gutted.
Conrad Schmitt Studios’ decorative restoration work
included ornamental plaster and scagliola, decorative
painting, millwork, metal work and terrazzo flooring. The
weather lobby was re-created in full from photographs taken
prior to past renovation efforts. More than 2,800 gallons of
paint products were used during the project, and nearly 60,000
square feet of copper, gold composition, and aluminum
composition leaf were applied. The variety of faux finishing
techniques included marbleizing and faux leather. Metallic
effects were achieved through the use of composition gold,
copper and aluminum Sepp leaf. Ornamental plaster was faux
finished or gilded and glazed to appear aged. The restored
Palace Theatre is once again a destination for the people of
Waterbury and beyond.