The Key City Public Theatre in downtown Port Townsend has been awarded the Outstanding Bricks and Mortar Rehabilitation Award for its multi-year facility remodel by the Washington State Main Street Program.

Operated by the nonprofit Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the organization helps communities across the state revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown districts.  

As a first step to the remodel, KCPT executive artistic director Denise Winter gained the building owner’s support, negotiating a new long-term lease and a financial commitment of more than $50,000 in rent reduction. 

The $610,000 renovation included new energy-efficient heating and air conditioning, movable administrative offices and technical control booth to accommodate more theater seats, the replacement of existing theater seats resulting in increased seating capacity, ADA-compliant safety upgrades, renovation of the lobby, updates to the dressing rooms and backstage areas, and more.  

More than 50 local contractors, businesses, and artisans were employed in the execution of this project, which largely occurred during the first two years of the pandemic.