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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 7, 2015)
RICKENBACH CONSTRUCTION PROJECT | 2001 - 2013 LIBERTY THEATER PHASE 1, 2 & 3 Client: Liberty Restoration Inc. Location: Astoria, OR Architect: Michelle Dieffenbach Architect: SRG Architects Project Size: 5,600 Sq. Ft. Subcontractors: Wadsworth Electric JP Plumbing P&L Johnson Mechanical Nehalem Bay Hardwoods Rubenstiens Contract Carpets The Liberty Theater restoration has been a multi-phased project that has spanned 14 years with additional still to come as money is acquired. Rickenbach Construction Inc. has performed all the restoration and remodel work to the building lobbies, auditorium, stage, and back stage areas. We have also added two conference rooms, elevator, restrooms and other required amenities and the second floor. The main portion of the restoration and rebuild work was completed in 2007. In 2009 we assisted the owners in the design and budgeting to complete the development of the second floor area which had was still old and unoccupied. In 2011 adequate funds were secured and we started the remodel of this interior space into a conference room, offices, restrooms, kitchen and a Duane Street entrance. The design of this space facilitates multiple uses and multiple-size clients. This has been a challenging project yet very enjoyable to restore a major historical building in our community that is so much a part of Astoria’s history and grandeur. The Liberty Theater received the National Restore America’s Treasures Foundation award and grant in 2004. It also received the Dr. Edward Harvey award for Historical Preservation in 2008 from the City of Astoria. LIBERTY THEATER PHASE 1 & 2 RESTORATION AND REMODEL 2001-forward as funds became available. Phase 1 & 2 involved restoration of a much deteriorated lobby and theater into a modern performing arts center. To achieve this, the 19,000-square-foot project required structural upgrades, infrastructure renovation, a new three-story elevator, fire and life safety installations, and extensive restoration of ornate plaster castings, lighting fixtures, art work and other sensitive finishes. Coordination with various tenants, committees, boards, grant and fundraising agencies, State Historical Preservation Office and the City of Astoria were required during the entire project. The Liberty Theater was featured in “Restore America” in 2003 and received the Dr. Edward Harvey Historical Preservation Award in 2008 from the City of Astoria. LIBERTY THEATER PHASE 3 2013 – Phase 3 involves the design and construction of 6,000-square-feet incorporating the remaining unfinished space on the second floor into a conference and meeting area with ancillary space to facilitate that use such a kitchen, office, hallways, stairs, access and storage. RICKENBACH CONSTRUCTION 50 YEARS | 1965-2015 | 15