After more than a half century of service, VMA has been transformed, and a dynamic new destination has emerged. The combination of an improved VMA, the new Renaissance Providence hotel, and the new Avenue of the Arts, has created a unique arts, cultural and hospitality destination bringing increased vitality and positive economic impact to a long neglected area.

The VMA Initiative

The VMA Initiative is the comprehensive vision of the non-profit VMA organization for the betterment of Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the 1900-seat theater acclaimed for its unique combination of scale and intimacy, superb acoustics, excellent sight lines, grand proscenium stage, and beautiful interior. Phase 1 encompassed the years 1998-2007, Thomas P. Dimeo, Chairman and Tereann Greenwood, Executive Director. Realization of the vision included the following partners and improvements.

1998: Vision

The vision of the VMA organization for exterior improvements to the theater and surrounding area presented in draft form.

Applause for : Don Leighton of Gates, Leighton & Associates
J. Michael Abbott, Newport Collaborative Architects

2000: Avenue of the Arts name

The street fronting VMA was renamed Avenue of the Arts to mark the historic theater's 50th Anniversary.

Applause for: Providence City Council

2004: Avenue of the Arts project begins

Comprehensive Avenue of the Arts project is realized through state and federal funds.

Applause for: The Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Gates, Leighton & Associates
D'Ambra Construction Company

2004: A New Era of Elegance, Act 1 The Curtain Call

Debut of new flame-proof curtain for the grand proscenium stage.

Applause for: J. Michael Abbott, Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc.
Rhode Island Department of Administration
Walker Specialties, Inc.

2005: A New Era of Elegance, Act 2 Please Be Seated

Debut of refurbished seating, new aisles and floor treatment, new carpeting, and increased ADA access.

Applause for: Thomas P. Dimeo, Chairman
The Dimeo Construction Company
Sage Hospitality Resources
The Carter Family Foundation
Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc.

2005: A New Era of Elegance, Act 3, Going Up

Debut of new lobby elevator, serving all three levels of the theater for the first time.

Applause for: The Champlin Foundations
Sage Hospitality Resources
Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc.

2005-2006: Infrastructure improvements

Extensive fire code compliance improvements and replacement of theater's leaking roof.

Applause for: The Rhode Island Department of Administration

2006: Avenue of the Arts ribbon cutting

2007: A unique arts, cultural and hospitality destination emerges

Concurrent to the VMA Initiative and Avenue of the Arts improvement projects, the adjacent Masonic Temple property was being transformed into the Renaissance Providence Hotel, the largest historic preservation project in Rhode Island history to date. A unique arts, culture and hospitality destination has emerged bringing increased vitality and positive economic impact to a long neglected area.

2007-2008: The transformation continues

Further improvements have been made to the Park Street component of Avenue of the Arts.

Applause: D'Ambra Construction Company
Newport Collaborative Architects
Don Leighton of Gates, Leighton & Associates