Local architect honored for Broadway Theatre study

Architect Rebecca Ward has a few notable accomplishments to her name.

She has been recognized locally for her work on the A.C. Vasterling building, a previously abandoned and foreclosed structure built in 1903 on the corner of Broadway and Fountain Street in Cape Girardeau, and her interest in another local landmark has earned her recognition on a larger scale.

Last year, Ward received the Richard L. Blinder Grant from the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation.

The foundation supports professionals across the nation by awarding grants that support original research and creative thinking in historic preservation. The foundation's namesake, James Marston Fitch, helped establish at Columbia University the first graduate program in the United States focused on training in the preservation of historic buildings.

"I remember using his books when I was in architect school, so I thought, 'Well, there's just no way I was ever going to get a shot,'" Ward said.

She remembers when someone first mentioned to her the idea of applying for the grant that honors architects who seek to preserve structures through addition, renovation or other means.

It was a busy time, and Ward said she wasn't sure she would be able to get anything together to apply.

Because the opportunity comes around once every two years, she decided to go ahead and give it a shot.

She found the news of her win almost unbelievable.

"I was quite surprised," Ward said.

The Broadway Theatre shortly after it opened in 1921. (Southeast Missourian file)

Her submission focused on the revitalization of Broadway Theatre in Cape Girardeau. Ward, who lives in Jackson, is not a native of the area and said when she first became involved in downtown Cape Girardeau, she didn't even realize what the building at 805 Broadway was.

"I had not ever noticed that was a theater until I was in that area working on something else and happened to look that way," she said.

The building caught her interest quickly. As someone who grew up during "a time before electronic devices," Ward said she still remembers the interest and importance people once associated with movie theaters.

The Broadway Theater opened in 1921 with a premier of "The Sheik," a silent romantic drama starring Rudolph Valentino. It boasted state-of-the-art equipment, an orchestra pit, stage facilities and a grand marquee. It had a total seating capacity of 1,200.

Part of Ward's plan for the theater is to document it, which gave her an opportunity to look inside. The experience was "overwhelming," she said, and the building has plenty of space to fit the interests of any future developers.

While Ward sees the potential for the theater, it would take a lot of work to bring it back to its original prestige.

"As I've been documenting it, I've been watching it fall down," she said. "It's got a really bad water leak, and the plaster is falling off all the walls on one side, the decorative plaster, which is just terrible. That's going to be something that's pretty expensive to replace. So that's kind of disheartening."

The theater also needs a new curtain, rigging and catwalks. The mechanical systems and lighting also require work.

Finding a way to revitalize the theater was another part of Ward's plan for the grant. She said people have been more than willing to meet with her and discuss ideas for the theater's potential future use.

"It's the coolest building," she said. "I love old buildings anyway, but there are things we can't possibly afford to build like that anymore. It's wonderful."

While her grant was focused on the Broadway Theater, Ward said she's also interested in possible ideas for renovation of the nearby Esquire Theater.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

805 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

824 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.