FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Madison, WI. (September 4, 2008) – The Wisconsin Historical Society Board of Curators and Awards Committee honored the Mabel Tainter Theater, in Menomonie, WI, with its 2008 Historic Restoration Award. This annual award recognizes the best historic rehabilitation and Restoration project in Wisconsin.

At a ceremony held at the historic theater on September 4, 2008, Miller Dunwiddie principal Chuck Liddy accepted the award on behalf of the design team. He spoke briefly of the project, outlining the challenges and successes the restoration presented. Donors and other members of the project team also attended to celebrate the event. Speakers gave special attention to the theater's place in the historic fabric of Menomonie and west central Wisconsin.

Originally built in 1890 as a memorial for Mabel Tainter by her parents, the building is dedicated to the "intellectual, social, and moral advancement and well being of the community now and in the years to come." The exterior of the Theater is a virtually intact example of Victorian-era Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. The interior is done in an elaborate and highly decorative Moorish style.

In 2003, Miller Dunwiddie Architecture began assisting the Theater in evaluating the building and determining how the historic structure could be upgraded to 21st century standards. The result of this effort is a 2 story addition that provides numerous program improvements, including accessibility and life safety upgrades. The existing theater also underwent a careful interior restoration so as to continue to provide a vibrant entertainment venue and maintain the spectacular detail and richness of craft. Thanks to these upgrades the theater will continue to fulfill its mission as a valued part of the community far into the future.

The Wisconsin Historical Society was founded in 1846, and ranks as one of the largest, most active, and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, it receives about 60 percent of its funding from the state of Wisconsin. The other 40 percent comes from membership fees, admission fees, gifts, trust funds and grants. The Society's mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories.

Since 1963, Miller Dunwiddie Architecture (www.millerdunwiddie.com) has been helping clients nationwide shape and preserve the built environment. Today, the firm offers a complete suite of solutions including architecture, historic preservation, interior design, construction services, and design visualization. Miller Dunwiddie’s clients span a wide variety of industries, including transportation, public sector, education, housing, retail/commercial, religion, and healthcare.