The Theatre
Nestled within the Manchester Residential and Commercial Historic District on the south side of the James River in Richmond, Virginia, is the newly-renovated Dogtown Dance Theatre. Located at 109 West 15th Street, the former Bainbridge Junior High School Gymnasium was built in 1939. Just as sports and recreation once were the principal activity on this site; dance, performance and community outreach comprises the essential purpose of this beautifully refurbished facility.
Dogtown Dance Theatre, on the second level of the building, offers a flexible 46 by 31 foot stage (not including the wings) and seating for up to 200 audience members. The third floor offers studio/rehearsal space and the lower level offers a full dressing room for performers.
As a flexible mid-sized facility with a full catering kitchen, Dogtown Dance Theatre is available to the public to rent for special events.
Affordable space for small businesses with a primary focus on (but not limited to) performing arts, community outreach, or socially responsible, progressive business practices is available for lease on the first level.
Free parking for up to 100 vehicles is available in the adjacent lot and surrounding streets.
Building Transformation
The Bainbridge Gymnasium was purchased in 2005 and the transformation of the building into the Dogtown Dance Theatre began, in earnest, in January 2008. 
The scope of the work included replacing the entire electrical, climate control and plumbing systems, replacing all the glass windows with laminated glass to address sound concerns, installation of an elevator to the mezzanine, and incorporating handicap accessible bathrooms.
Much of the building’s original integrity has been preserved. Though some sections of the gym floor were replaced due to water damage, the majority of it is the original pine hardwood. The terrazzo floors in the lobby and halls are also original. The vast majority of the ceramic bricks on the walls are intact, with the exception of 
additional doors to provide handicap access to bathrooms and the third floor studio space.
A marquee has been added to the front of the building, which was designed to work with the style of the building yet transformed it from a gymnasium into a theater.
Much credit is given to Watershed Architects, who helped design the theatre to provide as much versatility as possible with minimal additions to the building, allowing it to maintain its original beauty while providing necessary amenities to run a performing arts theater and host special events.
Floor Plans
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