07/29/2026
Amazing project to be a part of, making Toledo even better!!
After sitting vacant and deteriorating for years, Burt's Theater has once again become a vibrant part of downtown Toledo. Originally built in 1897–1898 as a vaudeville theater and later used as a movie theater and parking garage, the historic building underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation in 2024–2025 that transformed it into a mixed-use destination featuring commercial space and fifteen market-rate apartments.
The impact on the community has been immediate. New residents now live in the heart of downtown, supporting nearby restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, and local businesses. The addition of new commercial space brings even more activity to the neighborhood, creating foot traffic and energy that benefits the entire district. What was once a vacant landmark has become a contributor to downtown Toledo's economic vitality and continued revitalization.
As the only known example of Venetian Gothic architecture in Toledo, Burt's Theater is more than a restored building. It is proof that historic preservation can create housing, support businesses, strengthen neighborhoods, and reconnect communities with their architectural heritage. By adapting this unique structure for modern use, the project has preserved an irreplaceable piece of Toledo's history while helping shape its future.
As a Celebrated 250 building, Burt's Theater demonstrates the power of reinvestment and adaptive reuse. Has your community successfully restored a historic building and given it a new purpose? We want to hear that story. Consider nominating it for the Celebrated 250 category of Heritage Ohio's 250 Buildings, 250 Stories initiative and help us showcase preservation success stories from across Ohio. www.heritageohio.org/250-buildings-250-stories