Historic Dewitt Theater Restoration

We are pleased to announce a significant development in our mission to restore the historic DeWitt Theater.  The County has taken a pivotal step by accepting our business plan and issuing a formal letter of support for the DeWitt Theater Restoration Project.  This marks a crucial milestone for us.  The County's endorsement not only demonstrates their belief in our vision but also grants us the time we need to achieve our goals.

The DeWitt Community Complex (DCC) is dedicated to preserving and adaptively reusing the historic DeWitt Theater for community uses at the DeWitt General Hospital National Register Historic District located in North Auburn, CA.  The theater restoration will truly create a place where: “arts, history, and community meet.”

Goals  

• Renovate the historic DeWitt Theater so it can again function as a performing arts center for music, dance, live theater, lectures, films, and much needed rehearsal space. 
• Promote the World War II history associated with the DeWitt General Hospital as  many of its historic buildings have been removed from the site.

Benefits

• Preservation of this historic resource for community uses will help foster an identity as well as develop a community destination and activity hub for the area. 
• Re-establishing community uses in this historic building is a win-win: offering an incubator for the arts, supporting the local economy and supporting the County’s master plan vision for the center.

Significance 

• The DeWitt Theater is the last remaining WWII historic theater of this type in the country and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2016 as part of the DeWitt General Hospital Historic District.  
• This is a great opportunity to promote tourism while recognizing this important piece of American history.
• Additionally, the DeWitt hospital is associated with outsider artist Martin Ramirez, who created his most notable works of art while in residence at the hospital and his art has appeared on US Forever postage stamps.

Renovation Plans

• The 5,000 square foot theater is structurally sound and primary renovation needs involve mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.
• The theater will have 196 seats (156 seats with a portable stage extension).
• Plans include construction of separate structures for ADA compliant bathrooms, storage area and a small art gallery.
• A courtyard is proposed as an inexpensive option to expand the theater complex providing additional meeting/activity space.
• Completion of the project is anticipated in 3-5 years.

For additional information on the renovation details, please refer to the “plan details” tab located immediately above this section.