The Glenns Ferry Historic Opera Theatre’s Next Act: Pro Bono Work Supports Community Connection

A first-time visitor to Glenns Ferry might be charmed by its quiet streets, little shops, and the regular whistles of passing trains. But stay a while and this rural town in south-central Idaho will reveal another, deeper layer of vibrancy, supported and maintained by generations of residents and some passionate newcomers.   

The downtown streets have been animated for more than 100 years with a variety of buildings and the enterprises they housed. One such building is the Gorby Opera House, now known as the Glenns Ferry Historic Opera Theatre. 

Built in 1914, the Glenns Ferry Historic Opera Theatre is one of the oldest operating theaters in Idaho. The theater continues to offer free and low-cost live entertainment while also offering educational programs and experience to casts and crews of vaudeville acts, talent shows, theater workshops, plays, and holiday events.  

However, as the years have passed, the historic building has faced challenges. Recognizing the importance of preserving this local treasure, Cushing Terrell stepped in to help. 

In our first pro bono project of 2025, Cushing Terrell is providing architectural, structural engineering, and historic preservation services to restore a missing masonry parapet (the upper extended edge of the roof) on the theater. Our team will complete up to $25,000 in donated professional services. This work will return the building’s iconic upper façade to its historical appearance while addressing long-standing water damage and structural concerns.  

A Past that Supports the Future

The parapet project is part of a larger effort, not only to restore and preserve the historical design of the theater as closely as possible to its original state, but also to bring it to modern standards so it can continue to serve the town and surrounding communities for future generations. 

Affordable entertainment and family-friendly activities are vital to keeping the spirit of small communities like Glenns Ferry alive. 

“What might look like a simple facelift is a vital restoration project with deep roots in our town’s history and exciting implications for our future,” said Dorothy Drake, owner of the Glenns Ferry Historic Opera Theatre. “In a rural area where 38% of residents live below the poverty line, the theater is a lifeline to creativity, learning, and connection. It brings the arts to seniors, children, and families who benefit greatly from accessible cultural experiences.” 

Enduring Character, Lasting Pride 

While updates to historic structures are often for essential reasons and sometimes to satisfy contemporary preferences, they can alter a building’s unique personality. Beneath every layer of change, whether in Glenns Ferry or other communities across the country, the original character often endures. 

“This is a great project that can serve to illustrate one of the more common interventions undertaken in the 1960s and 1970s to historic facades, which, in some cases, has led many individual property owners and main street communities across America to make efforts aimed at reclaiming prominent character-defining features,” said Murray Miller, Cushing Terrell’s historic preservation manager. “Modest projects like this one often produce big lessons and allow community support to coalesce around pride in special places.” 

Drake is confident the project also will serve as a model for the revitalization of downtown Glenns Ferry. “When one building is restored with care and intention, it inspires others to follow suit and visitors take notice,” she said. “People talk about the charm, the character, and the community spirit they see here.” 

The tremendous efforts of Drake and dedicated community supporters are sustaining the history of Glenns Ferry and its pride of place. 

“(This project) is about preserving a piece of Idaho’s living history, protecting an important structure from further damage, and continuing to grow as a welcoming, vibrant hub for both residents and travelers,” Drake said. “We’re thrilled to be taking this next step forward and are incredibly grateful to have Cushing Terrell walking with us on this journey.” 

“With their expertise and generosity, we’re not just restoring a building,” she added, “we’re restoring a legacy.” 

Encore: More Pro Bono Projects Coming This Year 

Cushing Terrell’s pro bono program is rooted in a commitment to strengthening communities and supporting organizations that make a difference. By partnering with nonprofits and other local groups, we help turn community-driven ideas into reality, providing technical expertise and creative solutions to projects that might otherwise face hurdles.  

But more than just a professional offering, our pro bono services reflect our company’s values and our desire to create positive change. That’s why we’re motivated to do more. We continue to expand our pro bono program, with two additional projects approved for 2025 and other initiatives on the horizon.  

“Meaningful design has the power to enrich lives and create lasting value,” said Shannon Christensen, Cushing Terrell principal and pro bono committee member. “Our pro bono program allows us to support our local communities and engage with organizations outside of our immediate network. By lending our skills and resources, we help bring important projects to fruition.” 

Stay tuned for more stories of impact, inspired by and created for the communities we serve. 

Meaningful design has the power to enrich lives and create lasting value. Our pro bono program allows us to support our local communities and engage with organizations outside of our immediate network. By lending our skills and resources, we help bring important projects to fruition.

—Shannon Christensen, Cushing Terrell Principal and Pro Bono Design Services Committee Member