The Varsity Theater closed in 2018, after 80 years of operation in the Dogtown commercial district. At that time, it was the last operating historic theater in Des Moines. From 1917-1923, it housed University Motors. In 1923, it was converted into the main Coca-Cola bottling facility. In 1938, it was renovated to the Art Deco style Varsity Theater we know today. After a fire in 1958, many mid-century design elements were added.

Removing paint from the upper facade revealed the 1938 blue and white glazed brick art deco design. The storefront level was restored to the mid-century appearance including the restoration of the glass doors, ticket booth window, and re-introduction of the black Carrara Glass details.

The project restored the lobby to its original size by relocating bathrooms. The 1938 terrazzo flooring, and 1958 mid-century spindle details (circled in red) and rock wall accents were restored  or maintained. The back one-third of the 505-seat auditorium was used expand restrooms and concessions. The finished auditorium now has 235 new seats including accessible seating.

This $5 million project leveraged public grants, private loans, and donations. New City and State grant programs were piloted with the project. Both are now ongoing funding sources for preservation projects. This high-profile, community-support project has brought attention to Des Moines’ disappearing theater history, has helped spur revitalization of the Dogtown commercial district, and serves as a social, cultural, and economic hub for the Drake Neighborhood.