The long-empty Ingersoll theater finally has a new roof as work continues to restore the landmark building.
Before Des Moines developer Connor Delaney purchased the deteriorating, historic building at 3711 Ingersoll Ave. from longtime owners Lee Family Properties in 2022, the city warned that it could be demolished if it remained a nuisance. Cody Christensen, the city's permit and development administrator, told the Des Moines Register at the time that the theatre was in "awful shape" and that daylight could be seen through the roof.
All that's changed now though, Delaney confirmed. As he posted on the theater's marquis, the new roof is officially complete; also wrapped up is minor demolition work inside to mitigate water damage from rain and snow.
"The building is nice and stable and not deteriorating any further," said Delaney. "It's dry and safe."
He's still working to raise funds for further work. The project has received the federal portion of the historic tax credits Delaney applied for and is now awaiting approval of the state's portion.
He's considering seeking new investors, citing the struggles of getting the loans needed to continue work.
"It will happen. I'm determined to get it all together," said Delaney, who's also restoring the former French Way Cleaners building in the Highland Park neighborhood.
Previously: Developer restoring home of French Way Cleaners in Highland Park finds, returns unexpected heirlooms
Lauren Kollauf, executive director of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, a neighborhood planning and advocacy organization, said that the community is happy to see progress at the theater.
"The property is probably one of our most-asked-about topics on The Avenues. There are many community members who are passionate about seeing the theater be restored," she said.
When could the project be completed?
Once the money is raised, Delaney estimates that it could take 18 months to have the theater show-ready. Built as a cinema in 1939, it began a 26-year run as a dinner theater in 1978. It then had a number of other tenants, none of whom remained long, before closing in 2014.
Delaney anticipates the Ingersoll being either a performance venue with a food and beverage component, or a restaurant capable of hosting occasional shows — a similar use, but with a different emphasis. He said he's already in talks with a prospective tenant.
"I don't want it to just be a wedding venue or quinceañera party spot. There's a lot of those types of spaces," he said.