The Show Goes On: Adaptive Reuse and the Preservation of Opera Houses in North Dakota

Abstract

This thesis explores the topic of preservation of opera houses in North Dakota, their past and present functions, and will contribute to present historiographies and research of North Dakota history. Chapter One details the history of one of these spaces and how they were used, specifically using a case study on the Metropolitan Opera House in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Chapter Two examines opera houses in three different North Dakota towns - Ellendale, Lisbon, and Maddock - through exterior analysis, interior description, and discussion of landscape and provides photographs of each site. Each opera house reflects a different phase in the restoration process. Chapter Three illustrates how opera houses are being used, emphasizing multipurpose functionality, and preserved today through heritage tourism. Following a driving tour format, this chapter takes the reader through nine sites, detailing histories and preservation stories. Finally, the conclusion includes final thoughts on the topic, a summary of points discussed, and ideas for further research.