Carlisle Theater

Project History

In the late 1930’s Comerford Amusement Enterprises commissioned a series of Art Deco style theaters. One of those theaters was built in Carlisle, PA in 1939. The theater changed hands after Comerford Amusements became the subject of antitrust action in 1941, and appeared to be on its last legs by the 1980’s. However, Carlisle was not willing to part with such a landmark. In 1989, a group of citizens incorporated the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center.
By 2005, the group had gathered enough funding to properly restore the façade. Roofing membrane extended up the entire length of the parapet, leaving water trapped and causing considerable damage. Coping was removed and new copper flashing installed. The contractors terminated the roofing membrane at a lower level, and treated the bricks with Conpro Shield W. Shallow spalling of the terracotta was repaired using MIMIC TR. The original finish was replicated by using custom-matched Color Coat, followed by Terracotta Gloss Finish.