"A noteworthy example of preservation on a severely limited budget. Rather than replicating what had been lost, Oertel Architects refurbished the remaining historic fabric and gave it a neutral background, allowing historic components to read as artifacts." ~Diane Trout-Oertel

Built in 1916 and unused since 1984, the Palace Theatre has been given new life as a live music venue owned by the City of Saint Paul and operated in partnership with First Avenue and JAM Productions. The renovation transformed the once-abandoned structure into a vibrant performance space while maintaining its raw, historic character.

Work included removing the main-level seating to create a large general admission floor, constructing new bars, restrooms, and backstage green rooms, and upgrading mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems to meet modern code and performance demands. The major design philosophy was “preservation through stabilization.” Rather than restore the building to its original appearance, the approach celebrated the passage of time—retaining the worn plaster, exposed structure, and layered finishes that reveal its long history.

Modern interventions were deliberately restrained and designed to be clearly contemporary, providing contrast to the historic materials while ensuring the building’s longevity. Oertel Architects worked closely with preservation specialists, city officials, and the operators to balance performance needs with the authenticity of the space. The result is an atmospheric venue that embodies Saint Paul’s cultural history while supporting a new generation of music and community events.