Project Description
The renovation of the historic Joyce Garver Theater promises enhanced accessibility and upgrades, so the Camas community can once again enjoy programs and performances in the Garfield Building.
The theater now includes a new disabled-accessible storefront entry that opens into a beautiful, two-story lobby area with hardwood maple floors, wood slat ceilings and large windows overlooking Camas and the Columbia River below. A kitchenette nook offers an area for serving refreshments.
Off to the other side is a classroom that doubles as a green room. Inside the 700-seat auditorium, enhancements include an updated control room for operating new sound and light systems and new rigging systems on the stage that are safer and more efficient.
By far the biggest improvement is the building’s seismic stability. An immense amount of steel and concrete were installed behind the walls, below the floors and on the roof to keep the building from collapsing in an earthquake.
An elevator and ramps offer increased public access.
The renovation project won third place in the Arts, Culture and Entertainment category of the 2022 DJC Top Projects Awards.
The improvements were made possible by the $119 million construction bond Camas School District voters passed in 2016.
Originally built in 1936 as an extension of the 1913 school, the theater had been shuttered for more than 10 years. It is named for much-loved drama, music and art teacher Joyce Garver.
Construction concluded in late 2021.
Todd Construction previously built Lacamas Lake Elementary School for the Camas School District.
