Tibbits Opera House Façade Reconstruction

Owner:	Tibbits Opera House Foundation and Arts Council
Location:	Coldwater, Michigan
Role:	Architecture, Planning, Historic Preservation
Completion:	2013
Awards:	AIA Michigan Honor Award 2016, AIA Detroit Honor Award 2015, NACIA Copper Award 2014, Michigan Historic Preservation Network Preservation Gem Award 2014, Michigan Historic Preservation Network Community Support Award 2014, ABC “Excellence in Construction” Award 2013, Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation 2013

The 360-degree transformation of the 137-year-old Second Empire façade was completed in 2013. The project design included materials and techniques that are intended to last for a 100-year plus life cycle. The Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation were followed during all procedures including cleaning, repairing and replacing brick on the entire face of the building. The cupola was designed and reconstructed to match the original profile and roofing tile was installed to reflect the original B.S.T. initials pattern. Craftsmen recreated, with painstaking detail, all of the metal decorative elements of the façade. Windows and doors were fabricated to match the original carpentry and all painted elements matched original pigment colors. The mansard roof and balcony were also rebuilt to match the original profile. The Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.