CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Historic Tivoli Theatre in downtown Chattanooga is undergoing a more than $70 million renovation ahead of its reopening later this fall.
The theatre will feature more ADA-accessible areas on every floor, additional restrooms and bars, and patrons will be able to order drinks from their seats.
Raquetta Dotley, Councilwoman for District 7, said the project is a major boost for the downtown area. “It’s significant for Chattanooga especially district 7 because it pushes our arts economy. This is the core of downtown, and a lot of times people are on the riverfront on that end of town or down on MLK or Miller Park, and a lot of times this is the middle that gets missed,” she said.
Crews have reinforced the foundation with 137 micropiles, added an elevator shaft, and repurposed spiral stairs.
The theatre’s marquee is being restored to digital LED, blending its historic character with modern updates.
Dotley described the renovations as “legendary … generational, because when you come in you can see old Chattanooga, the renovations from several decades ago, and now the latest updates.”
The Tivoli is part of a larger downtown revitalization effort, connecting to other projects and creating new opportunities for arts and education programming.
Nick Wilkinson, CEO of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation, praised the city council’s support, saying, “The leadership of our city council and their commitment to really breathing life back into these beautiful historic facilities like the Tivoli Theatre, the Memorial Auditorium, and the Walker Theater … I think it took a lot of great foresight and courage.”
The 1889 building next door will be part of the Tivoli Performing Arts Center, featuring a restaurant, gathering spaces, and performance areas, including the Bobby Stones Theatre.
The project preserves the building’s historic character while expanding its use for arts and community events.
The Memorial Auditorium will announce its Broadway lineup on April 20 and the Tivoli Theatre’s own show dates are projected to be announced later this fall.
The building next door will be the Tivoli Performing arts center, with a restaurant, gathering spaces, and performance areas, including the Bobby Stones Theatre which plans to be utilized year-round.
