The Thorpe Opera House Renovation Project

In 2000, the Thorpe Opera House building was given to The Thorpe, Inc. and a group of supporters have united to turn this historic site into a center for the community and a cornerstone for downtown economic development.

Plans are currently being finalized for the historic perservation and renovation project that will create a state-of-the-art performing-arts facility and a unique community center. The renovated Thorpe building will provide handicap access to all areas of the building, including the performing arts auditorium. The Thorpe building together with the adjacent Horacek building, which was gifted to The Thorpe, will house the Chamber of Commerce office, restaurant and expanded catering/meeting facility, an art gallery to showcase local and regional talent, historic displays, as well as offices and storage facilities for the Boston Studio Project.

The Thorpe, Inc. hopes to capture the Heritage of the David City Area, and unite a community in an effort to preserve the history and culture of this small town in the Midwest.

Who we are:

• The Thorpe — the name that has been chosen for the project and entire building. This entity will be the umbrella for all organizations within the building.
• The Thorpe Opera House — specifically the auditorium that houses the stage and the performances that happen therein.
• The Boston Studio Project — the archival preservation and sale of historic Butler County images from the collection of over 70,000 negatives contained in the Boston Studio collection, Barlean Photographic Studio collection, Banner Press negatives and other private photographic collections.
• The Horacek Heritage Center — the adjacent building, graciously donated to The Thorpe by the Horacek family, will feature historic displays and house the elevator and mechanical systems necessary to the renovation.
• Winfield’s — currently a banquet and meeting facility that is available to rent for catered meals, meetings and conferences.
• The David City Area Chamber of Commerce
• The County Economic Development Office

Table of Contents

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• Calendar of Events
• History
• Opera House
• Photo Albums
• Tours
• Boston Studio Project
• Winfields
• Chamber of Commerce
• The Niche' Market
• Thorpe's Future
• Contact Us
• Dining & Lodging
• Community Links