The City of Delray Beach will celebrate renovation progress of the Crest Theatre, at Old School Square, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, at 5 p.m., Friday, March 1. An art awards show and reception, called Delray on Canvas, by Plein Air Palm Beach, will follow.

In January 2023, the City of Delray Beach began new renovations to Crest Theatre, including updates to the lobby, reception, and entry restrooms. Improvements have been made to the kitchen, which will allow more flexible use of meeting spaces, as well as a venue for future culinary arts classes. 

Modernization of the building, bringing it up to current building codes, includes repurposing of a restroom to create an ADA accessible bathroom, remodeling a meeting room to a reception area with a bar, and expansion of the lounge room. The renovations were completed in January 2024. 

Future renovations will be required, in the auditorium, to restore it to a modern performing arts venue that is again available for public use, explained Public Works Director Missie Barletto.

“We are proud to have been able to bring these renovations to the community, returning this important city asset to the community, so that the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Crest Theatre can be enjoyed by all,” said Barletto.