Alma auditorium looking better than ever with new renovations

ALMA, Neb. (KOLN) - A building that once served as a cattle sale barn has been restored, and will serve as a multipurpose event center in Alma.

The Alma Auditorium, built in 1925, was taken over by the city in 1943 and used over the decades for roller skating, basketball, auctions and other uses. City Administrator Steve Ardiana said the building was in need of major repairs.

“If we didn’t renovate it, if we didn’t put a new roof on it, tuck point the bricks and renovate the inside, it would have just been a hole in the ground on Main Street,” Ardiana said.

Using a grant received from the state, the city completed a full renovation that includes a new roof, new floors, all-new electrical, all-new plumbing, ADA-compliant bathrooms and ADA-compliant entrances. New doors and windows were also installed.

Ardiana said crews were able to preserve original features of the building, including antique trim and a tin ceiling. A heating and cooling system was also installed, designed to maintain approximately 70 degrees inside, even with outdoor temperatures of 110 degrees and up to 300 people in the building.

The renovation included an updated kitchen with additional electrical circuits to accommodate catering operations. The stage was also cleaned up and made usable for plays and concerts, Ardiana said.

A new marquee sign on the building’s exterior was designed by Tri-City Signs. Ardiana said the sign was intentionally designed to match the aesthetic of the building, using red and black — Alma High School’s colors.

The auditorium is now available for events including proms, weddings, wedding receptions, family reunions, graduation parties and birthday parties. Ardiana said the facility is expected to draw visitors from outside of Alma.

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.