ADG designed renovations and an addition to a historic 1917 church as a new home for the South Bend Civic Theatre (SBCT). The previous 800-seat sanctuary space, which includes a spectacular windowed dome, became SBCT’s new 200-seat main stage theatre. ADG’s primary design challenge in the main auditorium was maintaining the integrity of the original dome, pierced by twenty-four windows, while allowing total black-out of natural light and a platform for theatrical lighting for stage productions. ADG designed a steel-frame and aircraft cable “tension grid” system to accommodate stage lighting that suspends lightly from the existing structure while allowing visual access of the original dome.

Other major spaces in the renovation include a 75-seat studio performance space located in the old social hall, as well as new dressing rooms, toilet rooms, and a concessions area. The design maintains the original lobby with intricate wood moldings, marble ornament, and mosaic tile floor both to welcome theatre patrons and as a space for social functions for the theatre. A 7,500 square foot addition will house the theatre’s main offices, a new scene shop, and a rehearsal space.