How do you preserve the past while designing for the future?
For generations, the Dixie Center for the Arts has been a cultural landmark in downtown Ruston.
Maintaining its relevance required more than repairs.
The challenge was to envision how this historic landmark could continue serving the community while supporting new programming, expanded opportunities, and long-term economic vitality.
The Vision
Create a destination that honors the Dixie's history while preparing it for the future.
Reimagine its role as a cultural, educational, and community gathering place.
The Approach
Working alongside the building committee, board members, and community leaders, we explored opportunities to preserve the theater's historic character while introducing new spaces and experiences that support future growth.
My role was to help transform that vision into a compelling story through architectural concepts, renderings, strategic planning, and presentation materials that supported fundraising and the Capital Outlay process.
The Impact
The result was more than a design proposal.
It became a shared vision that could be communicated to stakeholders, city leaders, donors, and the public.
More importantly, it helped build momentum toward transforming one of Ruston's most treasured landmarks.
