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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Leisha Barcus - Executive Director
Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation
515.244.0507 ext. 206
barcus@hoytsherman.org

Foundation Seeks State Investment for Restoration and Renovation of
Historic Hoyt Sherman Place Theater.

DES MOINES (July 1, 2002) ~ The Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation today submitted a request to the Vision Iowa Board to invest $1.4 million towards the restoration and renovation of one of Iowa’s historic treasures, the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater. The total cost of the project is $6.3 million. In addition to requesting the state investment, the Foundation is actively seeking private contributions, and to date, $2.6 million has been pledged.

Fred Weitz, Chair of the Hoyt Sherman Place Capital Campaign Project and a major contributor to the project, said “The state’s investment will make it possible to transform this one-of-a-kind historic landmark into a state-of-the-art community performing arts theater. Improvements to the Theater will broaden the opportunities for the community to view, learn, and participate in the performing arts—theater, music and dance.”

A renovated Theater will have a significant impact on the quality of life in central Iowa. According to Leisha Barcus, Executive Director of Hoyt Sherman Place, “The Hoyt Sherman Theater project will complement new developments in the Des Moines area that collectively will make it an even more attractive place to live.”

The renovation plans have been developed by the national award-winning architectural firm Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck. Since no major changes or improvements have been made to the Theater since it was built in 1923, the proposed physical infrastructure improvements are essential to address the basic requirements needed to attract a broader range of performers as well as provide for the safety and comfort of the performers and the audience. The plans call for installing an air conditioning system to allow for year-round performances, expanding backstage and wings to provide full use of the proscenium, updating the dressing rooms, new rehearsal space, updating the entry, exit and life-safety components, expanding the restroom facilities, refurbishing and renovation of original historic theater seats, and updating sound and lighting elements.

The project, as envisioned, is about one-third of the cost of building a new facility of like size and amenities. A study conducted for the City of Clive, Iowa, confirmed Hoyt Sherman Place Theater’s place in the community and the cost-effectiveness of the project. In January of 2000, Economic Research Associates (ERA) of Chicago studied the feasibility of a combined learning and performing arts center. The study concluded, “In many markets, the ideal size for a performing arts facility falls between 1,000 and 1,800 seats. The lack of facilities of this scale in Des Moines is notable.” The study also concluded that Hoyt Sherman Place Theater could not meet this need without significant renovation and expansion. Clive officials support the efforts of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation. Les Aasheim, Mayor of the City of Clive, says “Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation’s plans for renovation of the 1,400-seat Theater address an important need in central Iowa for a mid-sized, affordable performing arts venue at a cost far less than building a new suburban center.”

Located in the heart of the historic Sherman Hills Neighborhood, the Theater renovation project is part of an overall redevelopment effort. Barcus, drawing upon her economic development background, said “Arts and culture have been important to breathing new life back into inner-city neighborhoods throughout the country.” The Foundation is committed to making the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater a vital part of the community and ‘come alive’ with culturally-diverse entertainment and performing arts.”

For more information on the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater Restoration and Renovation Project, contact Leisha Barcus at 515.244.0507.

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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Leisha Barcus - Executive Director
Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation
515.244.0507 ext. 206
barcus@hoytsherman.org

CITY OF DES MOINES COMMITS $50,000 TOWARD THE RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF THE HOYT SHERMAN PLACE THEATER

DES MOINES (October 8, 2002) ~ The Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation received good news from the City of Des Moines Tuesday evening. The Council voted unanimously to commit $50,000 toward the restoration and renovation of the historic Hoyt Sherman Place Theater. The Vision Iowa Board will consider the Foundation’s request for a $1.4 million grant for the Theater project on Wednesday of this week. City and County involvement in the project are critical to receiving state funds. The County has committed $200,000.

“The Hoyt Sherman Place Theater has a very special niche within our community
and synergy with the many exciting development projects underway. The Theater is certainly an historic treasure and it’s time to make improvements in its attractiveness for both performers and patrons,” said Christine Hensley, City Council Member.

Public and private funds are being sought to restore and renovate central Iowa’s only mid-sized theater into a state-of-the-art community performing arts theater. Since no major changes or improvements have been made to the Theater since it was built in 1923, the proposed physical infrastructure improvements are essential to address the basic requirements needed to attract a broader range of performers. The improvements will also provide for the comfort of the performers and the audience including installation of an air conditioning system to allow for year-round performances and expansion of the backstage and wings to provide for full use of the proscenium. The total cost of the restoration and renovation project is $6.3 million. To date, nearly $3.2 million has been pledged.

According to Leisha Barcus, Executive Director of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, “The momentum for the project is building as more and more people become aware of the project and understand the significance of this historic asset. In addition to corporate and grant fundraising efforts, we’ve launched a Friends of Hoyt Sherman Place organization. Membership at the Marquee and Center Stage levels include the opportunity to “name a seat” in the restored Theater.”

For more information on the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater Restoration and Renovation Capital Campaign, contact Leisha Barcus at 515.244.0507 or visit the Web site at www.hoytsherman.org.

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CENTRAL IOWA LEADERS SUPPORT THE RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF
THE HOYT SHERMAN PLACE THEATER

“Central Iowa lacks a viable mid-sized theater for local and traveling performances. Whereas, the Civic Center’s main hall seats up to 2,735 and our Stoner Theater only 210, we find there are many local performing organizations that would be better served by a venue with the seating capacity of Hoyt Sherman Place . . .It is clear that the planned renovations for the theater will greatly enhance the theater’s capabilities and usage.”
Jeffrey L. Chelesvig, President
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

“As Executive Director of the Heritage Youth Productions, I saw another generation of young artists experience the thrill of being on stage at Hoyt Sherman when we gave a benefit concert a few weeks ago. This was their first time on a “real” stage with lights, sound, and a back-up band, and their excitement was palpable. I saw their eyes light up as we first walked on the stage at rehearsal, and as they adjusted to the space, I saw them blossom as performers, rising to a whole new level of brilliance during their concert, moving their appreciative audience to tears and giving us all hope for the future. None of these incredible moments would have happened without Hoyt Sherman Place. It is not just a building; it is a sacred space that has numerous defining moments over the years. It has provided a place for young artists to test their wings . . . and it has helped to build a sense of community, connecting our hearts and souls as we share these defining moments with each other.”
Robin Jons
Executive Director
Heritage Youth Productions

“The rules for attracting companies and employees have changed on us. Now, we need a downtown that is vibrant and interesting. We need unique restaurants and entertainment venues. A revitalized Hoyt Sherman Place is central to this new reality.”
Christopher Greenfield
President and CEO
Downtown Community Alliance

“Des Moines deserves Hoyt Sherman Place Theater!”
Connie Wimer
Publisher
Business Publications Corporation

“It is essential to the community to have Hoyt Sherman Place a showcase for local, regional and national talent in the area of performing and visual arts. The size of this venue combined with the stunning turn of the century ambiance is unique. I can envision a wide array of events in this space—from chamber orchestra performances, family offerings and dance recitals, this is a facility that not only represents Des Moines’ past, but will help define our future.”
Joseph Giunta
Music Director and Conductor
Des Moines Symphony

“A facility such as Hoyt Sherman Place is very important to a new and growing ballet company. The elegant and historic setting provides an intimacy for the audience that larger venues lack. Improvements would allow for greater artistic expression. In an improved state, this theater could be used for years to come and continue to be an asset to the greater Des Moines community.”
Sari Cumpston, Board President
Karin Johnson, Events Director
Ballet Theatre of Des Moines

“As an organization dedicated to promoting the choral arts, the new Hoyt Sherman Place Theater would provide us with an appealing, historical concert setting that is also acoustically designed to enhance vocal performances.”
Kathryn M. Houser
Past Executive Director
Des Moines Children’s Choruses

“The theater provides a unique opportunity for citizens from all over Iowa to enjoy productions in a place that is significant to the history of Des Moines and central Iowa. By preserving the theater, many more generations of Iowans will be able to experience the history of our community.”
Bob O’Hollearn, Mayor
City of Johnston

“Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation’s plans for renovation of the 1,400-seat Theater address an important need in central Iowa for a mid-sized, affordable performing arts venue at a cost far less than building a new suburban center.”
Les Aasheim, Mayor
City of Clive

“The renovation of the theater will greatly enhance its use as a near-down-town venue for a large variety of events that will draw more people from all over the Midwest to our city. The historical significance of Hoyt Sherman’s home, the Art Gallery and the Theater provide a wide variety of opportunities for use by the public.”
Owen J. Newlin
Former Executive Vice President of Pioneer Hi-Bred International
Des Moines

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ARTICLES

Historic Landmark Shines Again
Barcus led Hoyt Sherman Place restoration, now she'll move on
By Sharon Baltes

Hoyt Sherman Place has come to a crossroads in its 128-year history in Des Moines. With recently refurbished art galleries to complement the $5.5 million dollar restoration of its 1,250-seat theater, the mansion stands ready to reclaim its place as one of the city's premier cultural attractions, but will do so under new leadership.

"The future is getting somebody in here who can make this place come alive," said Leisha Barcus, the executive director for the Hoyt Sherman Foundation. "I feel that my job was to get it to where it is now, and now there’s something to work with. Let's get someone in here with the skills to program it and maximize its use so that it can continue to go up and up."

Barcus, who is working with a search committee to find her replacement, was hired by the foundation in 2001. She wrote a successful Vision Iowa grant for $700,000 and developed and implemented a capital campaign to raise support for the theater's restoration, which was carried out between June and December of 2003. The galleries received their face lift this past summer when the Des Moines' Symphony Alliance Designer Show House Tour presented an opportunity for collaboration.

"Redoing the galleries this past year as part of the Symphony Show House Alliance was really great for us, because now we have both sides of the house matching," Barcus said. "I’m just as proud of these galleries as I am the other side. We are unique because we are not just a stand-alone theater, and there are tremendous opportunities for programming that includes the whole space."

The galleries were built in 1907 as the first public art gallery in the city when the Des Moines Women's Club took control of the property a few years after the death of business and civic leader Hoyt Sherman. The Women's Club, which built the theater in 1923, maintained the property until the early 1990’s, when a foundation was formed to take over ownership and operations of the property.

By 2001, both the theater and the galleries were in dire need of "freshening up" when Barcus joined the effort. Her background had been in economic development in Iowa, and she felt strongly that Hoyt Sherman Place "was the perfect example of downtown revitalization" and a place "crying out to be redone."

Hoyt Sherman Place renovation gets rave reviews

An overlooked treasure for too many years, Hoyt Sherman Place has regained its rightful place as one of the crown jewels of Des Moines.

The home of influential Des Moines business and civic leader Hoyt Sherman, the younger brother of Civil War Hero Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman and Sherman Anti-Trust Act author John Sherman, the 1877 Victorian mansion became an important community venue with the addition of a public art gallery on its west side and a theater on the east. Though considered acoustically sound, the grandeur of the performing arts theater had been hidden by years of paint that masked the intricate rococo plasterwork of the domed ceiling. The historic theater hosted Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller and Grant Wood at its zenith, but its caretakers were forced to shutter it during the summer months because it lacked air conditioning.

A $5.5 million restoration changed that, and the theater, which overlooks Woodland Avenue in one of Des Moines’ most historic neighborhoods, reopened last year to the kind of rave reviews performers on its stage hope to receive. The white paint had been removed and replaced with a carefully researched shade of rose-brown accented with green, hues used during the Victorian Era. Footlights were restored to working order, and similar lighting illuminates the ornate plasterwork on the ceiling. The old theater seats were kept for purposes of authenticity, but were reupholstered. Plaster scones were repaired and replicated, and the plaster grills covering overhead were replaced.

Since reopening, some 56,000 patrons of concerts, lecture series and other events have passed through the doors. The theater has hosted environmental maverick Erin Brockovich, former Texas Gov. Ann Richards and actresses Goldie Hawn, Marlee Matlin, and Priscilla Presley, all speakers in the Des Moines Register’s Smart Talk Women’s Lecture series, an event that will be repeated in 2005, though speakers have not yet been announced. The theater’s curtains also opened on the premiere of “The Home Front,” a 50-minute musical based on the original works and experiences of Iowa legend Ray Pugh, who along with other Iowa middle school youths contributed greatly to the World War II effort. That play, too, will be repeated.

On Oct. 5, the theater will host well-known political satirist Donald Kaul. Dates are yet to be announced, but the 2004-2005 season also includes performances by The Capitol Steps, a Washington, D.C, comedy troupe that offers political satire through song and dance, and comedian Mark Russell.

The gallery-Des Moines’ first public art gallery-also was refurbished for the Des Moines Symphony Alliance Designer Show House Tour. In the gallery and original house are an impressive collection of 19th-and 20th-century paintings, elaborately carved 17th-centuary furniture, antique glassware and other rare and ancient artifacts.

“It started as an important landmark of the grandest scale,” says Leisha Barcus, executive director of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, which established in 1994 to preserve the mansion in perpetuity. “This is a really nice venue that complements all the other revitalization happing downtown.”-Beth Dalbey

Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, is open for tours, Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available on the Web at www.hoytsherman,org, or, call the box office at (515) 244-0507, Ext. 213.

Hoyt Sherman to get Des Moines aid.

By JASON CLAYWORTH

Five-year, $50,000 sum is tied to continued fund raising

The $6.3 million renovation of a privately owned Des Moines theater was granted a second infusion of public money Monday.

Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., is an 1877 mansion that includes a 1,400 seat theater built 79 years ago. The theater lacks air conditioning, has no sprinkler system and can be difficult to negotiate for people with disabilities.

Officials of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, which owns the facility, say they can transform the theater into a popular Iowa attraction if their renovation plan succeeds. The group has raised nearly $3.2 million, has applied for a $1.4 million Vision Iowa grant and has picked up a $200,000 pledge from Polk County officials.

Hoyt Sherman "is a perfect midsized venue for this community," said Leisha Barcus, executive director of the foundation. "A lot of touring theatrical productions are passing us right by because the Civic Center is too big and they can't afford to get in there."
Des Moines City Council members Monday approved a plan to put $40,000 in taxpayer money toward the renovation. The city's contribution would be spread over five years and would be contingent on the foundation's ability to raise the rest of the money needed.

John Malloy, who lives in the 2800 block of 38th Street, doesn't like the idea. He argued the theater is not needed and taxes should not be used for its renovation. The 2,735-seat Civic Center already attracts smaller performances, and the 16,000-seat Iowa Events Center, scheduled to open in 2005, will be able to handle larger performances, he said. "How many people will use it? It doesnít make sense to me," Malloy said.

City Councilwoman Christine Hensley said, however, that the renovations - which will include an expanded backstage area, better dressing rooms and refurbished theater seats - will stimulate the local economy.

Hoyt Sherman Theater has drawn a wide variety of speakers and performers throughout its history, including Helen Keller, Lyle Lovett, Amelia Earhart and Grant Wood. "Now itís time to make improvements in the facility", Hensley said.

Central Iowa lacks a midsize theater for local and traveling performances, said Jeff Chelesvig, president of the Civic Center of Greater Des Monies, adding that "there are many local performing organizations that would be better served by a venue with the seating capacity of Hoyt Sherman Place."

Renovations will begin early next year if the foundation is awarded the Vision Iowa money, Barcus said. The renovations would probably be completed by the end of 2003.

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Des Moines Register - Editorial
3/17/03

A Chicago consultant hired to study the idea of building a mid-sized performing-arts hall in Des Moines' western suburbs recently identified a need in the metro-Des Moines market for a theater in the 1,300-seat range.

The suburban theater project was shelved, but the consultant's report was not. It was passed along to restore the theater at Hoyt Sherman Place near downtown Des Moines, an underappreciated landmark that just happens to have 1,300 seats in a grand and historic setting.

What the Hoyt Sherman Theater lacks, mostly, is air conditioning, modern sound and lighting systems and adequate back-stage facilities. The Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation has a $6.3 million drive under way to meet those needs.

The foundation got some good news last week when the Vision Iowa Board voted to award a $700,000 grant to the project through the Community Attraction and Tourism program. Although the grant is half what was requested, it puts the foundation within $540,000 of launching the first phase of the project in June.

That first phase will upgrade the interior of the hall, including new seating, air conditioning and lighting vitally important pieces to the project, at least as far as theater-goers are concerned. Unfortunately, doing the project in two phases means postponing expansion of the back-stage area and modernizing restrooms.

Hoyt Sherman Foundation Executive Director Leisha Barcus said the foundation will continue its fund drive even as work begins on the first phase so those improvements can be done as soon as possible.

Once fans of the performing arts get inside, they cannot help but appreciate a treasure that has, in many respects, been forgotten.

Once the community rediscovers the charms of the historic theater, it will be that much easier to make the case for completing the restoration project and preserving thislandmark for future generations

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Des Moines Register - Editorial
9/1/02

"Why the show should go on"

Hoyt Sherman Place Theater fills an important role in central Iowa’s performing-arts scene.

Hoyt Sherman had a tall order constructing a legacy matching his older brothers’ achievements. After all, William Tecumseh has been glorified for his Civil War career, and John’s name is attached to the famous anti-trust act.

Hoyt, the youngest of 11 children of the Sherman family of Ohio, acquitted himself quite well in Des Moines where he was engaged in banking, insurance and politics. His home, a handsome product of the Victorian era that commands a powerful presence on the brow of a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, has evolved into a Des Moines landmark for fine art and, since 1923, the performing arts.

It is about to enter a new era.

The Hoyt Sherman Place Theater was built by the Des Moines Women’s Club in 1923 adjacent to the Sherman home and art museum. For many years it was the place for performing arts, ranging from Will Rogers to classical music. In recent decades, however, this grand performance hall has been overlooked, in large part because it lacks air-conditioning.

That’s about to change. The Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation has set a goal of raising $6.3 million to restore and upgrade the theater. Thanks to contributions from more that 45 individuals, families, corporation and Polk County, the foundation is half-way to that goal.

The Women’s Club, which has since turned the property over to a private foundation, lovingly cared for the building, but it needs modernizing. Besides new mechanical systems, the theater will be enlarged to provide much-needed space for back-stage operations.

When complete sometime in late 2003, the restored (and air-conditioned) Hoyt Sherman Place Theater will be home for live performances. With a 1,200-seat capacity, it will fill a gap between theaters at either end of the size spectrum in Greater Des Moines.

That should preserve Hoyt Sherman’s legacy, at least in Des Moines, for a few more generations.

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Des Moines Register - Letter to the Editor
8/21/02

“Historic theater needs community support”

Compliments to the Register for recognizing the importance of preserving this city’s cultural landmarks by publishing Kirk Blunck’s and Scott Brunscheen’s Aug. 4 Iowa View (“Historic Treasures Rescued”).

There are many exciting projects under way in the city. Des Moines is truly in the midst of an era of positive change. While new developments are needed in the city, we also need to preserve and capitalize upon the historical properties that make our city distinct.

One of the city’s unique properties is the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater that was built nearly 80 years ago.

Hoyt Sherman Place 1,400 seat theater is the only mid-sized theater in the Greater Des Moines area.

However, the current condition of the facility limits its potential use.

Basic infrastructure improvements are essential to addressing the safety and comfort of the performers and the audience. Once restored and renovated, the theater will bring more plays, more dance and more musical entertainment.

The cost to transform this national historic landmark into a year-round, state-of-the-art performing arts and learning center is $6.3 million. We are nearly halfway there.

County Board of Supervisors committed $200,000 to the project contingent upon receiving approval of a community Attraction and Tourism grant from the Vision Iowa board and the successful completion of the Theater Capital Campaign.

Broad-based community support, however, is absolutely critical to preserving the theater.

Des Moines deserves the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, and the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater deserves the community’s support.

Leisha Barcus
Executive Director
Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, Des Moines

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GUEST COMMENTARY - DES MOINES BUSINESS RECORD

Leisha Barcus, Executive Director Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation

“Theater renovation creates a sense of place”

What an amazing time to be a resident of Des Moines. The exciting new development projects underway will give everyone more places to live, learn, work and play. One new development project however isn’t really so new at all. It’s the renovation and restoration of the 80-year-old Hoyt Sherman Place Theater. The time has come for the Theater to become, once again, a modern performing arts venue and premier local community-gathering place.

Anchoring the southeast corner of the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood, the Theater is often described by patrons using these adjectives: grandeur, intimacy, ambiance, and beauty. It includes outstanding acoustical characteristics, intricate rococo plasterwork; a magnificent high domed ceiling, and a full arched balcony.

In addition to its unique beauty, the 1400 seat Hoyt Sherman Place Theater is Greater Des Moines’ only mid-sized performing arts venue. It’s accessible, affordable, and sized right. Its small enough to support local performing artists and organizations paying close attention to the bottom-line and yet large enough for regional and national touring theatrical groups currently passing through Des Moines on there way to larger cities.

The problem however, is that since this Theater was built 1923, it has undergone no major renovations or improvements. The theater is severely limited in both its current and potential use.

In order to meet the production requirements of modern day artists and high-quality theatrical companies, a number of physical improvements are necessary. These core improvements would include: air conditioning, an expanded backstage and wings, improved handicapped accessibility, improved loading dock capabilities, additional restrooms and more comfortable seating.

To accomplish this transformation, a campaign to raise $6.3 million is underway. It’s exciting to report that nearly $3 million in contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations ranging from $5.00 to $500,000 have been secured. In addition, requests including a $1.4M Vision Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism grant, and a $500,000 Kresge Foundation grant are still pending.

As a former economic development professional, I understand the impact a place like Hoyt Sherman Theater can have on a community and we type it in every grant request we write: It will enhance and complement downtown redevelopment plans, it will assist in revitalizing the historic Sherman Hill District, and it will help attract new residents, workers, and tourists to our city. More cultural and performing arts entertainment options give the new economy worker the “quality of place” they seek. A recent survey of Theater patrons, showed that 96% supported the renovation and restoration of the Theater and 77% thought it was vital to the quality of life in Des Moines.

In just my short time as Executive Director of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, I’ve seen three and four year olds dancing in the aisles, twenty-somethings rocking to bluegrass music, new ballerinas and musicians performing for the first-time on a real stage, a spirited and lively Gospel play that engrossed a diverse, near capacity audience and older patrons mesmerized by classic piano ballads.

Because this Theater offers so much to so many people – so many different people - I’m absolutely convinced it deserves star billing on the marquee of new developments now appearing in Des Moines.

Please come by and see for yourself this special place. Show your support for the Theater project at free outdoor concert, September 2, “Labor Day on the Lawn.” The day-long concert begins at 1:00 p.m. with performances by four local bands and features the California Guitar Trio at 6:00 p.m. Contributions for the Theater renovation project are welcome.

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