Miller Theater Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of the 1940s Miller Theater in Augusta, Georgia, represents a complex and adaptive reuse project focused on preserving historic integrity while transforming the space into a versatile modern performance venue. Lord Aeck Sargent, in collaboration with 2KM Architects, guided the rehabilitation of this mid-century Art Moderne-style theater, once the second-largest movie palace in Georgia. The project centered on restoring key historic features—such as the aluminum ticket booth, terrazzo flooring, plaster, wood, and marble elements, along with the distinctive façade featuring glass blocks, aluminum fins, and a large marquee—while adapting the interior to meet the acoustical and spatial demands of a symphony hall. Expansions to the original structure included an extended stage house and enhanced patron amenities through the integration of an adjacent building, effectively addressing modern performance requirements. With considerations for sightlines, acoustic performance, and flexibility, the project aimed to accommodate various events, from symphony and opera to theatrical and amplified music performances, within the constraints of a historic urban setting.