A theater’s marquee is a venue-defining structure. It’s the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for their experience. For the construction of a new marquee, or the renovation of an existing one, these projects must be taken seriously.
A marquee project is a major commitment, especially for small-town theater teams or nonprofit leaders who don’t know where to begin. It’s easy to underestimate the complexity, and burn through time and funding as a result.
Here are some considerations to make sure your marquee project hits the ground running.
When it comes to marquees, start by learning what’s possible and what’s not with your building.
Is the building historic? Older buildings often require additional structural analysis, permitting, and design sensitivity. If your venue is on a historic registry, special approvals or materials may be required.
Can the structure support a marquee? Not all facades can handle the weight and attachment requirements of a large, projecting sign. You’ll need engineering input early on.
Where will it be installed? Marquees need to be highly visible for maximum impact. However, the exact placement will also affect factors like electrical routing and code compliance.
Do you have an existing marquee that needs renovation, or will it be new construction? The scope of the marquee project affects the budget, timeline, and type of expertise you’ll need.
Refurbishing an old sign may involve restoring historic elements, upgrading lighting, and ensuring the sign meets modern safety standards. These steps are necessary to maintain the marquee’s enduring magic.
New construction offers more creative freedom, but requires early alignment on design, permitting, and funding.
Before approaching vendors or designers, take the time to imagine your ideal outcome. Some aspects to consider include:
Professional designers can help you refine your ideas, but they aren’t mind readers. So the more clearly you can define your vision, the more closely they can bring it to life.
Building permits usually take more time than expected. Every municipality has its own regulations regarding signage, especially in historic districts. Requests for permits should be submitted as early as possible to minimize the delay between sign fabrication and installation.
Securing funds also has extended timelines, especially for nonprofit organizations. Major infrastructure projects may require individual donations, combined with grants from private foundations and local governments. These all require lead time to prepare proposals and wait for approvals.
Start on these as early as possible in order to complete the project on time.
Marquee projects are a long-term investment. On the East Coast, most theater marquee projects fall between $120,000 and $500,000. Final cost depends on size, complexity, and whether it’s a restoration or new build.
Don’t treat planning as an afterthought. Budgeting early, and realistically, helps avoid cost overruns, design compromises, and last-minute surprises. Build in space for design, permitting, engineering, and contingency. And if possible, bring in a project manager who’s done this before. They’ll help keep things moving and make sure your money goes where it matters most.
A marquee project requires the careful coordination of design, fabrication, electrical, structural, permitting, and installation. Without a structured process, it’s easy for details to fall through the cracks. Cohesive project management ensures:
Choosing to work with a vertically integrated manufacturer means that everyone is on the same team and has access to the information necessary to do their work. Many processes can be accomplished in tandem, which significantly reduces project timelines.
Marquee projects are long-term investments that need to be done right from the start. They also require very specific skills and knowledge to handle the ornate design with care and attention. Theater managers, preservation boards, and local governments choose to work with Flexlume because of its 120+ year history of creating and restoring theater signage.
The recently completed Angola Theatre marquee sign restoration, for example, recreated the original 1924 marquee's aesthetic while integrating modern technology. Where restoration through general contractors and architectural firms proved cumbersome for the owners, the Flexlume team streamlined the process.
Whether you’re renovating a historic sign or beginning new construction, a marquee project requires expertise, planning, and precision. Flexlume’s end-to-end process ensures your marquee captures attention, preserves your theater’s identity, and stands the test of time.
Reach out to Flexlume to discuss your marquee project and learn how our team can bring your vision to life.