Historic Tennis HoF building to be rehabbed

NEWPORT – After 25 years of vacancy, the 129-year-old, 300-seat Stanford White Casino Theatre at the International Tennis Hall of Fame is set to undergo a $4.5 million renovation, which will include safety and handicapped-accessibility upgrades.
It is the first theater designed by architect Stanford White – known for designing the original Madison Square Garden – and it’s also the only still-standing theater that he designed, according to the hall of fame.
The hall of fame’s volunteer Restoration Committee announced last Friday that it had so far attracted $3 million in grants and private pledges, including a $1.05 million contribution from Middletown’s van Beuren Charitable Foundation and a $1 million grant from California’s Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust.
The 8,000-square-foot theater has a 1,800-square-foot stage and orchestra pit. The interior ivory walls are detailed with shell shapes, woven wickerwork and lattice patterns in gold leaf. The exterior, including the original wraparound porch, will be restored.
Originally part of the Newport Casino, which is now the hall of fame, the building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, recognized as one of “most influential shingle-style buildings in America,” according to the hall of fame. It is the last building in the original casino complex to be renovated.
Providence’s Durkee, Brown, Viveiros & Werenfels Architects principal Martha Werenfels has been hired as architect for the restoration. Newport-based Farrar & Associates Inc. has been hired to manage construction.
For information about The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum, visit www.tennisfame.com.