The Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Cultural Museum were the initial steps in the rehabilitation process for the Historic LaVilla neighborhood in Jacksonville. This 32,000 square foot complex consists of a 428-seat theatre for live productions, a 2,000 square foot lobby that doubles as a banquet hall, and a 10,000 square foot museum and educational space. Originally slated for restoration, the existing building condition and structure were deemed beyond repair. The solution was to retain the original, architecturally significant corner-façade and make the balance of the building new construction. Keeping with the “Egyptian-inspired Art Deco” motive, the design provided for both the theatre and museum to be built together as one structure sharing the same entrance and a lobby, which allowed for efficient dual use of public and support areas. The building also integrated current standards for performing arts as well as the latest in theatrical and audio technology. The Ritz Theatre and Museum is constructed on the site of the original 1929 Ritz Theater, a movie house located in Jacksonville’s historic African American community of La Villa.