A Neighborhood Landmark. A Cultural Legacy.
Opened in 1939, The Ingersoll Theatre is one of Des Moines’ last surviving historic movie houses—built at the height of the Great Depression and designed for a new era in American entertainment. Located in the heart of The Avenues district, it’s long been a cultural anchor and architectural gem for the community.
1939: A Neighborhood Gem Is Born
Constructed by Des Moines businessman Jake Bassman and designed by prolific Iowa architecture firm Wetherell & Harrison, the Ingersoll was commissioned by A.H. Blank—founder of the Tri-States Theatre Corporation and a major force in Iowa cinema. Blank and his son Myron lived nearby and treated this project as a personal experiment in neighborhood entertainment.
With a final price tag of $35,000, the Ingersoll opened with its Streamline Moderne style, green glazed brick façade, and neon-lit marquee - a striking addition to the Avenues District. It was among the first theaters in Iowa built exclusively for sound films, reflecting a new era of moviegoing in the automobile age, with amenities like a rear parking lot (one of the first in the area) and bright modern finishes. It quickly became known for its modern design, first-run films, and family-friendly atmosphere.
A Theater That Lit Up the Neighborhood
From its dramatic marquee to its innovative design, the Ingersoll wasn’t just a place to watch movies—it was a landmark. According to architectural historians, theaters like this helped transform 1930s streetscapes into glowing, active corridors. Its presence was integral to the development of the Miller Tract and Ingersoll corridor.
Tri-States Era (1939–1972)
For over 30 years, the Ingersoll thrived under Tri-States Theatres, playing first-run films and hosting civic events like Myron Blank’s WWII scrap metal drives. In 1951, Tri-States was sold to American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres (AB-PT), though Blank remained involved until his death in 1971.By the 1970s, with suburban theaters rising and foot traffic falling, the Ingersoll’s future was uncertain.
Threatened but Not Forgotten (1970s)
In 1976, plans emerged to lease the space to an adult movie operator, sparking swift backlash from residents and local businesses. The effort was halted, but the theater shuttered in 1977.
Curtain Up.
The Dinner Theater Years (1979–2004)
With a little creativity, the sloped auditorium became an asset instead of an obstacle. In 1979, the Ingersoll reopened as a dinner theater. Throughout the 1980s and into the ’90s, it hosted beloved musicals, comedies, and tribute performances—all paired with meals in an intimate, cabaret-style setting. This golden era positioned the Ingersoll as a go-to for a full night out: hearty food, great entertainment, and neighborhood charm.
Dark Days (2004–2014)
After briefly operating as a restaurant and then a nightclub, the building fell into disuse. By 2014, it was closed and sat vacant—its once-vibrant marquee gone dark. Preservationists worried it might not survive. But the community never gave up hope.
Restoration & Revival (2022–2025)
For Des Moines native Connor Delaney, the Ingersoll wasn’t just a building—it was part of his childhood. Some of his earliest memories are tied to sitting beside his grandmother Mary, wide-eyed as productions ofThe Velveteen Rabbit and Peter Pan unfolded before him. The Ingersoll sparked his imagination and love of storytelling from an early age.
In 2022, Connor purchased the long-vacant theater with a heartfelt vision: 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:
- Structural and envelope repairs
- Complete system modernization
- Full ADA accessibility and code upgrades
- 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 (November 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.