Project Name: Hallmark
Project Type: New Construction
Location: Piqua, Ohio
The former Piqua Theater building is a 1920s era structure. The building was constructed in an art deco style with a combination of brick and concrete panel façade materials. The original front parapet wall had an ornate curved profile, and the structure was highlighted by a lighted canopy marquee.
In the 1970s the structure was drastically changed with the removal of the top of the front parapet wall, removal of the original marquee, leaving only the canopy, and the façade was encapsulated with aluminum panel. The downtown building went through a variety of uses over the next few years. Uses included a recreation hall, teen center, and antique mall, before the building finally fell vacant in the late 1990s.
The City of Piqua established extensive Downtown Renovation Standards. Since the standards were implemented, the downtown district experienced new businesses and substantial growth. The former Piqua Theater became part of the new growth in 2004 when an independent Hallmark Cards store owner purchased the building. The interior renovation included reworking of interior walls and complete replacement of finishes, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. The exterior renovation process started with the removal of the aluminum skin. Since the original façade was heavily damaged during the previous renovation, it was determined to remove the original façade and replace with new masonry. The new masonry was laid in a simplified art deco style that complimented the original design. The front parapet wall was raised to incorporate a curved element. Hallmark Gold Crown opened in August of 2004 and the renovation project was a success for Piqua’s historic downtown.