Palladium Theater renovation: Balancing modern upgrades, historic preservation

For nearly three decades, the Palladium Theater has been a home for music, dance, theater, and the performing arts in St. Petersburg. But July 31st will be the final performance for the time being. In August, work will begin on a $13 million renovation that will improve the experience for audiences and performers and preserve the historic character that has made the building a beloved part of the city’s cultural landscape.

Led by Creative Contractors working alongside Earl Swensson Associates, Stages Consultants, and Akustiks, the project is expected to take about 12 months. It will improve the seating, sightlines, and acoustics in the main performance space, Hough Hall, replace windows and the roof, and add acoustic shutters.

The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N., was designed by architect Howard Lovewell Cheney and opened as a church in 1925.  It was converted to a theater in 1998 and has been operated by St. Petersburg College since 2007. There are two performance spaces: Hough Hall, with 815 seats, and the Side Door, an intimate 175-seat listening room.

Palladium Executive Director Paul Wilborn, who joined the theater in August 2007, says the project is part of the theater’s evolution as a performing arts space.

“It’s never the right time for construction, but we’ve been operating for 28 years as a church with a stage,” Wilborn notes. “This renovation will make us an actual performing arts center, with better seating, sightlines and acoustics.”

The project has been four years in the making, with the Palladium raising more than $8 million privately and nearly $5 million from government sources. For an organization that historically operated successfully while raising about $150,000 a year, the fundraising effort was a significant undertaking.

“Raising the money is always the biggest challenge,” Wilborn says. “This was a big lift for us.” 

Balancing modern upgrades, historic preservation

The renovation will modernize the theater without altering its historic details. Wilborn says the building’s beautiful interior and exterior features will remain, as will the lobby.

One of the most dramatic changes will happen overhead. The existing plaster ceiling, which sits below a 12-foot attic, will be removed and replaced with a new acoustic ceiling inspired by the grandeur of an opera house. The project also includes new seats, a rebuilt balcony, and improved lighting positions. New windows will eventually allow natural light to return to the theater when appropriate. 

The Palladium recently removed its pipe organ, creating a new performance space above the stage. For performers, some of the most important changes will happen behind the scenes. 

“I think new curtains, new lighting and sound positions will be a game changer for us,” Wilborn says..

The improvements are particularly important for amplified music, which has been challenging to present in Hough Hall. The renovated space is expected to accommodate everything from rock bands to chamber music, allowing the Palladium to move more easily between different types of performances.

The Palladium was created to be an affordable venue for the community. In addition to hosting national and international acts, it’s also developed into a performance space for local musicians and performing arts groups over the years.

“They’ve asked us for improvements, and I’m happy we’re able to deliver,” Wilborn enthuses.

The renovation is not expected to add to the Palladium’s operating costs, but Wilborn believes the improvements can help increase revenue and grow audiences. Stronger revenues, in turn, can support the theater’s ongoing arts programming, including Beacon Dance, the Palladium Chamber Series and its jazz programming.

The renovation project has significant financial support from both private and public sources, indicating the Palladium’s status in the community as a valued cultural institution.

“The community really stepped up to support us. I think that showed that we’re doing an important job and we’re doing it well,” he continues. 

New chapter for cultural landmark

The Palladium is already fully ADA accessible. Wilborn says the goal of the renovation is to build on the theater’s existing strengths while creating a more comfortable and immersive experience for audiences.

When visitors return, Wilborn hopes they immediately notice three things: “The beauty of the hall. The comfort of the seats. The improved experience when listening to music of any kind.”

The Palladium is expected to reopen with much fanfare and a string of special performances in September or October 2027.

“We’re planning to present some very special shows during those months, and that should grow our audience for the future,” Wilborn says.

For more information, go to Palladium Theater