Project Overview
The REES Theatre Project offers to the city of Plymouth a unique opportunity to continue its revitalization efforts with the development of a year-round feature for community connection. The events offered at the theater will help create a downtown that promotes pedestrian activity, hospitality business, and provides a destination for visitors and community members alike. Investment in The REES Theatre project offers the downtown a redevelopment project that is grounded in both sustainable development and community-centered growth. By anchoring the current progress with The REES Theatre project, the downtown revitalization of Plymouth, Indiana will better the overall quality of place and help us move forward in a systematic and synergistic manner that encompasses housing, goods and services - providing a vibrant community presence.
Click image above for a video tour of the renovation plan.
Financial Goals
Our goal is to secure $3,460,000 by fall 2019 from members of the community and beyond to stay on track for a 2020 grand reopening, which will be the 80th anniversary year for The REES Theatre.
By October 31, 2018 the community of philanthropic giving was able to meet a challenge grant goal of $1.5MM to receive a matching grant of $300,000 from the Regional Cities Initiative. This was again matched by the City of Plymouth - Redevelopment Commission in the amount of $575,000 and placed on the 2019 project list. On December 28, 2018, the Plymouth City Council unanimously voted to sponsor an OCRA grant application on behalf of The REES Project Committee.
An estimated $850,000 is still needed to take this reconstruction to bid.
Once open, we anticipate the annual operating expenses to be $329,000 and we have developed a business plan based on projected, annual event revenues that will sustain its operation.
Project Floorplans
Three-level floorplan
Click images to enlarge
Banquet floorplan layout
Theater / auditorium floorplan layout
The Phases of Construction

Phase 1 (Exterior): this phase is complete and focused on improving the overall aesthetic quality of the theatre's Art Deco facade as well as efficient operation of the marquee. This improvement gives a nostalgic impact on the downtown Plymouth streetscape, including an opportunity to promote community events through a prominent signage point.

Phase 2 (Exterior): this phase focuses on the continuation of the exterior renovation and an overall revamping of the structural and utilitarian components of the theater. Included in this phase are improvements to the roof, masonry, foundation, exterior HVAC units, water and fire protection service, electric service, and streetscape/connectivity. This phase will complete all the necessary repairs to the building envelope.

Phase 3 (Interior): this phase focuses on the redesign and restoration of the theater 's interior space for multi-purpose use. The theater will be brought up to code for all structural, mechanical/electrical components, and accessibility requirements. Additionally, the interior design will be reconfigured to allow for the utilization of the space in a variety of formats: event center (receptions, parties), live productions, seminars, and film presentation.
Planned Events
The auditorium is designed in tiers with flexible seating flanked by ADA compliant ramps, accommodating the following types of events:
Concerts
Theatrical / Live Performances
Dinner Theater
Speakers / Seminars
Worship / Assemblies
Exhibits
Weddings, Receptions and Reunions
Gathering place to celebrate community milestones
Film Presentation: seasonal themes, classics, intergenerational and multicultural selections
Educational opportunities:
Children’s Summer Theater Camps
Interdisciplinary Events with Area Schools
Technical Schools and Higher Education Programs
Health and Wellness Programs
Livestream National/World Events & Performances
Workforce Development / Job Training Site
Corporate Training and Continuing Education
Professional Development Workshops
Community Leadership / Speaker Series
Project Specifications
Auditorium Seating Capacity:
168 – 290
Main Level – 2,451 sq. ft.
Performance and film seating: 253
Banquet seating, rectangular tables: 168
Banquet seating, round tables: 126
Stage Level Seating - 516 sq. ft.
Banquet seating, rectangular tables: 24
Banquet seating, round tables: 16
Balcony Level - 522 sq. ft.
Performance and movie seating: 38
Banquet seating, rectangular tables: 26
Balcony Level Restrooms and Drink Station
Performance Stage:
516 Square Feet
Proscenium: 22 feet wide by 16 feet tall
Stage Depth and Width at Center Stage: 20 feet by 29 feet
Movie Screen: 22 feet wide by 14 feet tall
LED/Green Screen: 28 feet wide by 16 feet tall
Acoustics, Sound, and Lighting
Advanced Technology in Visual Projection and Digital Audio
Acoustically Engineered Auditorium Space
Sound and Lighting Control Booth
Performer’s Spaces:
378 Square Feet
Men’s and Women’s Dressing Rooms
Wardrobe Room
Performer’s Lounge and restroom
Catering Kitchen:
184 Square Feet
Proofing Cabinets, stainless steel sinks and work surfaces
Concessions and Bar:
138 Square Feet
Snack Food and Soft Drinks served facing the Lobby
Alcoholic Beverages served facing the Auditorium
Front Lobby:
478 Square Feet
Two ADA Compliant restrooms
Coat Check
MEZZANINE level
Men’s and Women’s Restrooms
Balcony accesses with drink service station
Restored Third Floor
Art Deco inspired open space conference/lounge area featuring a Roof Top Deck