When the opportunity arises to help preserve a historic building in our own community, we don’t take it lightly. As the Lompoc Theatre moves toward its anticipated 2027 reopening, perfectly timed to coincide with its 100th anniversary, Frank Schipper Construction is honored to play a role in restoring and strengthening this landmark to serve many generations to come.
We recently completed demolition, partial seismic upgrades, and roof replacement, marking an important step in the theatre’s restoration timeline. This phase also included hazardous material abatement, strengthening the auditorium and framing for the fly tower roof, replacing the existing single-ply roofing systems, installing new smoke hatches above the fly tower, and reinforcing the building’s second-floor framing. While much of this work will be unseen once the theatre reopens its doors, these essential upgrades ensure the theatre can provide a safe, functional community space, much as it did in its prime.
Restoration for Safety, while Preserving Historic Charm
When approaching a historic restoration project, we strive to balance preservation with modernization. The materials and construction methods that define a building’s character can also create safety challenges, especially after nearly a century of use. At the Lompoc Theatre, hazardous material abatement played a key role in safely upgrading the structure while preserving its historic integrity. By carefully and strategically removing the unsafe materials, we were able to protect the original architectural details that give the theater its distinctive charm and Spanish Colonial Revival character.
Demolition of the theatre has offered a fascinating glimpse into the century-old construction techniques. One notable discovery was an original electrical panel equipped with socket-plug fuses, a reminder of just how far back the theater’s history goes. As Superintendent Ruben Martinez explained, “These plug fuses were commonly used in the early 1900s and were phased out in the 1970s.”
Findings like this are what make restoration work so meaningful for our team!
Seismic Retrofitting of a Historic Landmark
Because the theater predates modern seismic codes, much of our work involved uncovering hidden structural conditions and adapting to unforeseen challenges as demolition progressed. From reinforcing aging structural elements to integrating modern seismic upgrades without disturbing historic finishes, the project required constant coordination, precision, and problem-solving in the field.
With our expertise in historic restoration and a strong focus on safety, we completed this phase smoothly and steadily.
Preparing the Theatre for Its Next Century
Decades ago, the Lompoc Theatre served as a community gathering place for all to enjoy. Once the final phase is complete (fundraising is underway), the theatre will once again host performances, screenings, and community events and contribute to the revitalization of downtown Lompoc. The progress achieved so far has been made possible through collaboration between donors, preservation teams, engineers, project partners, and our crew, all working toward a shared vision for the future of the historic theatre.
Our team is honored to be part of this community-driven project, and we’re especially looking forward to becoming patrons ourselves when the theatre reopens next year. If you would like to get involved in this important community gathering place, inquiries for support are welcome at give@lompoctheatre.org.
