Capitol Theatre in Rome reopens following renovation work

ROME, N.Y. — The Capitol Theatre in Rome has reopened following an extensive renovation that returned both the structure’s interior and exterior to their “original grandeur.”

Funded through a $2.5 million grant from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the renovations and improvements are aimed at reestablishing the venue as a regional hub for stage and screen presentations, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

Rome was named a DRI funding winner in the program’s second round.

The project restored the structure to its 1939 interior and exterior appearances, and it represents only the second “cohesive, all-inclusive refurbishment” since it first opened in 1928. Other renovations included improvements to the electrical; mechanical; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; and plumbing systems, as well as interior improvements, such as repainting, carpeting, and seating refurbishment.

Additional work funded through the DRI — including façade improvements and a restoration of the historic marquee — are ongoing and expected to be completed this fall. The Capitol Theatre complements other work through the initiative to revive Rome’s downtown arts and cultural scene.

“An amazing transformation has taken place at the Capitol Theatre. Rome’s single largest Downtown Revitalization Initiative-funded project does not disappoint,” Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said in a news release from the governor’s office. “The newly completed interior renovations including new seating, carpeting, painting, lighting and more bring the Theatre back to its heyday in 1939. Our Downtown Revitalization Initiative plan envisioned the Capitol Theatre becoming the centerpiece of the arts corridor and we are off to a terrific start with the Theatre reopening and we look forward to the replacement of the original marquee in the fall.”

Art Piece, executive director of the Capitol Theatre, added, “We’ve been planning for this restoration of the Capitol for nearly two decades, but it was only the fact that we were awarded the $2.5 million in DRI funds that allowed it to be accomplished.”