Ennis Public Theatre

Ennis is a small city on the far periphery of the DFW metro area. As part of efforts to revitalize the faded downtown, a group of supporters raised funds to move the Ennis Public Theatre from a metal building outside the core into an empty bank building in the city center. The bank building was originally a grocery store before a mid-century face-lift.

The architect was charged with creating a black box theatre and associated support spaces, and with incorporating two crystal chandeliers donated by a valued supporter.

Much of the limited budget was dedicated to new MEP systems and creating a new structural opening in the masonry bearing wall for the theatre space. New glazed lobby openings, storefront, and an entry canopy were the only exterior changes. The original beaded board ceiling was found above the lay-in ceiling and carefully re-purposed with patina intact.