Renovations advance at Martin Theater, Tennessee House and Ritz; city seeks Martin Theater operator

Jonathan Hayes gave construction updates on multiple downtown historic venues and announced a bid for Martin Theater management and operations. He said the Martin Theater project has completed basement framing, ceiling demolition and HVAC installation, with structural lobby and auditorium work upcoming. "At the Martin Theater, work continues with basement framing, ceiling demolition, and HVAC installation, with upcoming structural work set to begin in the lobby and in the auditorium," Hayes said.

Hayes also described work at the Tennessee House and the Ritz: the Tennessee House is advancing with roof decking, HVAC and continued interior framing, while crews at the Ritz are installing fire suppression, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems and beginning roof and exterior wall improvements. He said the city is seeking a management and operations partner to oversee programming, events and day‑to‑day operations of the Martin Theater and that the bid is open through June 1.

Hayes said the theater is being positioned to host more than 200 events annually in a revitalized historic space downtown. He did not provide contract terms or anticipated operator selection dates in the update.