Puttin’ Back the Ritz

2022 Preservation at Its Best: Community Effort in Preservation

Owned by Walldog Public Art, the Ritz Theater located on the historic Centerville square has been in the restoration process since 2001. A Main Street Challenge Grant in 2020 spurred the community to unite its resources to do masonry work, reinforce the walls, and repair the ceiling and electrical. Today, the theater section has been transformed into an education center. The nearly $195,000 project received financial support from community organizations, businesses, and individuals as well as donated hours by volunteers and local contractors.

The Ritz Exterior
The Ritz Lobby
The Ritz Balcony
Puttin’ Back the Ritz
“Puttin’ Back the Ritz,” Centerville

Preservation Iowa's two most visible programs are Iowa’s Most Endangered and Preservation at Its Best. These two programs work well together because being listed as Most Endangered often leads to awareness, a preservation effort, and a high-quality, award-winning project.

The full list of Preservation Iowa's 2022 Preservation at its Best Award Winners