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HISTORIC INGERSOLL DINNER THEATER
​A Rich History
Constructed in 1939, The Ingersoll Theater, designed by Wetherell & Harrison, once flourished as a part of A.H. Blanks' Tri-State Theater chain and later as Chuck Carnes instution "The Ingersoll Dinner Theater" between 1978 and 2004. Located in the "Miller Tract-Center-Soll Community Historic District", its distinct Streamline Moderne design is highlighted by a unique marquee.
Restoration & Revival (2022–2025)
In 2022, White Oak Realty purchased the long-vacant theater with the goal to bring it back to life for the next generation. He immediately stabilized the structure, replaced the roof, and secured over $1.75 million in state and federal historic tax credits to support its restoration.
In 2024, he found a like-minded partner in Steve Peters of VenuWorks, a national leader in arts and venue management. Their shared passion for community, culture, and preservation fueled a full-scale transformation.
From late 2024 through most of 2025, the Ingersoll has undergone a meticulous rehabilitation:
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Structural and envelope repairs
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Complete system modernization
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Full ADA accessibility and code upgrades
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And a careful restoration of its original, green-glazed brick façade and iconic marquee
This is more than a facelift. It is a rebirth—the goal: to honor the theater’s storied past and create a space that would once again serve Des Moines as a creative and cultural cornerstone.
A New Chapter Begins (DECEMBER 2025)
When The Ingersoll reopens in late 2025, it will return to its roots as a dinner theater and live performance venue hosting music, comedy, cabaret, and more. With show-themed dining, expertly crafted cocktails, and performances that spark joy and connection, it will once again be a home for shared stories and unforgettable nights.
More than a theater, The Ingersoll is a beacon of community and creativity—proof that history can be the launchpad for something extraordinary.
The Ingersoll Theater is back!
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For years, I carried the idea that this building deserved a careful, thoughtful next chapter—one that honored what it had been while giving it the care and attention it needed to continue serving the community. That belief never felt like a project measured in timelines or returns. It felt personal.
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Restoring and reopening the Ingersoll Theatre was about stewardship. About respecting the memories already etched into its walls while making sure new ones could be created for generations to come. Every decision was guided by the question: Does this preserve the spirit of the place?
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On December 31, 2025, the doors opened again. Not as something new pretending to be old—but as the Ingersoll Theatre, alive and ready for its next era.
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As it does for many of us, this building means a great deal to me. It represents patience, family, history, and the responsibility that comes with caring for places that matter. I’m proud to be one of its stewards, and grateful to see it once again filled with light, music, conversation, and memory.
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- C.D
THE REHABILITATION PROCESS
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2022 - New EPDM roof installed for longevity and protection.
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2022 - Updated with new gutters and downspouts to safeguard structural integrity.
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2022 - Interior demolition, preparing for modern enhancements.
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2022 - Temporary lighting installed, highlighting ongoing progress.
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2023 - Exterior block repairs finished, maintaining historic aesthetic.
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2023 - Design phase nearing completion, blending tradition with innovation.
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2024 - $1.75MM in State and Federal Historic Tax Credits approved, ensuring restoration feasibility.
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2024 - Venuworks founder Steve Peters and the Peters family propose an Ingersoll Theater strategic partnership. Both they and the Venuworks team provide much appreciated operational guidance and expertise.
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December 31, 2025 - Theater re-opens to rave reviews.
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The rest is history.
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