Litchfield Opera House: Secure Building Envelope

Completed exterior masonry preservation and rebuild missing entrance column of the Litchfield Opera House which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building envelope is experiencing disintegrating and spalling masonry, cracks in mortar joints and walls, and possible water intrusion.  The project restored the physical and visual integrity of the masonry envelope and remove safety threats caused by the unstable parapet.

Overview of Scope of Work:

1. Remove all destructive portland cement mortar joints and repoint mortar joints on north wall. Replacement mortar will match the historic mortar in composition, texture, color, and joint profile.
2. Replace spalled and deteriorated brick on north wall.
3. Repair parapets including the replacement of the existing non-original precast concrete caps, extensive repair and selective replacement of brick from the top of the metal cornice up the concrete caps.    
4. Repair and paint metal cornice.
5. Reset spires that are loose from base.

The Litchfield Opera House has been an active participant in community life for over 100 years. The building first served as a theater and community meeting space, and was eventually developed into administrative/community service offices. The Opera House is a well preserved example of Renaissance Revival style architecture, rare in Litchfield and Meeker County. The Litchfield Opera House was built in 1900 to serve the greater community as a gathering place for social functions and entertainment. In the early years the Opera House was well attended as evidenced by the many national theatrical groups visiting Litchfield. In addition, other events such as concerts, high school commencements, debates, lectures, celebrations and visiting dignitaries graced the Opera House.

In 1935, the Opera House was completely remodeled and reopened as the Litchfield Community Building. In 1965-1970, the City of Litchfield renovated the Opera House for City offices, which included sandblasting the exterior and repointing masonry joints with portland cement. In 2002 the building was closed due to "mold" issues. In October 2006 the Litchfield City Council voted to demolish the building. In March 2007, a Reuse Study was commissioned by the City of Litchfield. In September 2007, after nearly six years of debate, the City Council voted  6-1 to sell the building for $1 to GLOHA. A restoration program has been in place since January 2008.