State Theatre selects firm for redesign

A nationally known design firm with a strong northern Ohio presence, will help rebuild the Sandusky State Theatre.

A nationally known design firm with a strong northern Ohio presence, will help rebuild the historic Sandusky State Theatre.

The theatre was closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic in June 2020 when a storm caused the collapse of the backstage area on the theater’s west side.

The State Theatre board and staff this month announced the organization has selected DLR Group/ Westlake Reed Leskosky to design the playhouse for reconstruction.

“The Sandusky State Theatre is thrilled to partner with DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky for the rebuilding of this historic landmark,” said Executive Director Chris Parthemore. “Choosing a partner who will be with us throughout the project is a huge step forward, and we are thrilled to find that partner here in Ohio.”

DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky traces its roots back to 1905, when it was founded by Abram Garfield, son of President James A. Garfield.

The firm has worked on more than 100 historic theaters around the country, including such notable projects as Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, The Balboa in San Diego, The Lyric in Birmingham and the Tennessee in Knoxville.

“Our firm is honored to be a part of the team to reimagine and rebuild the Sandusky State Theatre,” said DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky Principal Paul Siemborski. “The theater was built in 1928, the heyday of live entertainment in America.

“Now, nearly 93 years later, we have an opportunity to transform the Sandusky State Theatre, positioning it for whatever comes its way in the next century.”

Following the June 2020 storm that destroyed the stagehouse, DLR Group/ Westlake Reed Leskosky has worked with the Sandusky State Theatre’s staff to restabilize the building and protect the theater.

The firm will continue to collaborate with the Sandusky State Theatre team to restore the theater and plan for its future.

Scope elements include modernizing the technical abilities of the theater and positioning it as the cultural anchor of downtown Sandusky, according to the theater board and staff.

“Engaging with the local community is such an important part of every arts and cultural facility project,” said Christina Kruise, business operations funding specialist with DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky.

“Buildings like the Sandusky State Theatre, are most successful when the programs and events offered are reflective of the interests and needs of those they are intended to serve.”

The reconstruction will offer an opportunity for the theater to reimagine its capabilities and prepare for the region’s future cultural needs, Parthemore said.

“We look forward to engaging the community to assess those needs and working with DLR Group/ Westlake Reed Leskosky to ensure the theater is the regional leader in the arts for next century,” he said.

SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE The Sandusky State Theatre published this photo illustration on its Facebook page in November 2020to show storm damage created in June last year and progress to rebuild the wall of the backstage area of the historic 1928playhouse.

CHRIS PARTHEMORE - SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE The rear wall of the Sandusky State Theatre has been under reconstruction since last year. In June 2020, a storm caused the collapse of the backstage area of the historic 1928playhouse. The State Theatre board and staff have announced DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky, a nationally known firm with a strong presence in Cleveland, will design the playhouse for reconstruction.