What The Ingersoll Theater Restoration Means for DSM

White Oak Realty has been working toward the full restoration of the iconic Ingersoll Dinner Theater for many years. This arduous — but rewarding — process has gotten underway thanks to the approval of state and federal historic tax credits. With a grand opening planned for late 2025, one of DSM’s most endangered buildings will soon be transformed into one of its most welcoming. The renovation of this community space will help highlight entertainment, connection and creativity in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Ingersoll Theater: A Community Treasure

In partnership with Steve Peters, founder of VenuWorks, which will be the long-term operator of the space, White Oak Realty is taking performing arts venues to another level with this project. “The Ingersoll,” as it will likely be called, is located at 3711 Ingersoll Ave. in the Avenues Ingersoll & Grand District of Des Moines, a central point no matter where you live in the region and one that boasts many other arts and culture attractions, including the Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines Playhouse and Salisbury House & Gardens. Already, VenuWorks and White Oak Realty have hired a general manager, programming directors and a food and beverage team, readying the business for its grand opening in November. Described by VenuWorks as a curated dining experience with an unforgettable cabaret-style atmosphere, “The Ingersoll” is primed to be a must-see attraction that is sure to conjure up memories for long-time members of the community who remember what it once was, while offering something new for the younger crowd.

The late Jay Byers, former CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, said in an interview, “We, collectively, rise together.” The White Oak Realty team hopes “The Ingersoll” project will help the local arts and culture community continue to do just what Byers said … keep the region rising. Sustaining DSM’s momentum with these important placemaking projects is a top priority for many in the region. With the addition of new entertainment venues like Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, which opened in 2023, and other restoration projects like the Varsity Cinema, near Drake University, which reopened in 2022 after a $5 million renovation, economic development is not slowing down. Changemakers are reinventing here, and residents and visitors will benefit.

Steve Peters and Connor Delaney present plans for the new Ingersoll Theater.

History of the Ingersoll Dinner Theater

Owned by A.H. Blank, the Ingersoll opened in 1939 offering a single-screen movie theater in Streamline Moderne, an Art Deco design style from the time. In 1979, it became the Ingersoll Dinner Theatre and remained that until 2004. During this time, productions like “Cinderella,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and “Miracle on 34th Street” brought in audiences to watch actors on stage. See historic photos from that time here, and learn more about its history by watching the video below:

 

According to Iowa Public Radio, this year’s updates will include the venue’s front façade and marquee, along with other features like a mezzanine, tiered tables and better parking. For a preview of “The Ingersoll,” check out this interactive, 3-D architectural program that details the bulk of the theater's design and interior finishes.

Watch the removal of the historic marquee below:

 

Learn more about the latest news and updates for “The Ingersoll” on the VenuWorks Facebook page.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 13% below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life. In 2022, Site Selection Magazine named it a top metro for a number of economic development projects.