Martin Theatre rebuild progress update
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Martin Theatre became the cornerstone of downtown Panama City when it was built almost 100 years ago.
The $32 million rebuild is meant to honor that legacy, restoring and upgrading the interior while preserving the past.
The project not only includes renovations to the Martin, but also includes the Ritz and the Tennessee House, which will be a new addition to the building.
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The layout of the main lobby is similar to the old Martin, with a concession stand and bathrooms upon entry.
The renovation will increase seating capacity to over 480.
There will be dressing rooms and extra space downstairs for performers.
The Tennessee House will be a new addition to the building, with construction scheduled to begin next week.
It will offer event space and a balcony overlooking Harrison Ave and 4th Street.
'We're going to have a wraparound balcony on the second level of the Tennessee House. So, just a great space to watch activities, parades, special events, or just on a regular evening without any special events going on, so it's going to be a great observation point. That's such an iconic location right here in downtown Panama City of Four Points Plaza,' Panama City City Manager Jonathan Hayes said.
The Ritz will replace the former DIB office on the north side of the theatre.
It will replicate a speakeasy bar and lounge along with meeting spaces.
All of the renovations are ADA accessible with ramps and three elevators throughout the building.
It's projected to be completed in the summer of 2027.
When it's finished, city officials plan on bringing in outside help to assist in theater operations. They believe it will help utilize the facility to its full potential.
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'The plan is to put out a Request for Proposal or qualifications, or look at maybe an outside company to kind of operate it on behalf of the city of Panama City. That does not mean the city would not still have a role in it and a stake in the ultimate authority over that facility. But having subject matter experts come in and operate such a high-end facility, that's going to have the complexity of the theater as well as both the Tennessee House and the Ritz,' Hayes said.
Officials say they'll put the RFPs out for bid later this year or early next year.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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