Gainesville’s refurbished historic elevator at Hippodrome Theatre reopens to the public

Press release from the City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville leaders and community members gathered today to celebrate the return of a one-of-a-kind cultural treasure: the Hippodrome Theatre’s historic elevator. Tucked inside the City-owned facility, the elevator began operating when the building opened in 1911 as a U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse. Today, the manually operated elevator — originally installed by the Otis Elevator Company — is recognized as the oldest of its kind in Florida and has now been fully restored after months of careful repair.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward, along with Hippodrome Director Evans Haile and Michael Curry, President of the Board of Directors. The refurbishment was championed by City Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker, who has long focused on using culture and the arts to enrich the lives of young people. The $135,799 elevator restoration symbolizes progress on two fronts. It represents an important investment in the future of theater in Gainesville, and it also makes Hippodrome visits easier for current patrons who rely on a working elevator for accessibility to the mainstage.

“The arts bring people together,” Commissioner Duncan-Walker said. “This restoration is more than just a repair — it’s a tribute to the craftsmanship of the past and a continued investment in our cultural future. It speaks to our history and will now bring the life-changing power of theater to new audiences and new generations.”

The elevator was taken out of service in January 2024 due to safety concerns after over a century of operation. Following an extensive assessment, specialists from Eletech Elevator Company, working with a master machinist, returned the lift to working order while preserving its original wood, brass, and hand-operated features. The result is both a faithful restoration of early 20th-century craftsmanship and an updated system that meets modern safety standards.

Mayor Ward said the project reflects Gainesville’s values of preservation and progress: “Restoring the Hippodrome elevator is about more than fixing a piece of machinery — it’s about keeping Gainesville’s history alive, making it accessible to all, and ensuring that our landmarks remain vibrant, welcoming spaces that stay vital as our community grows.”

Completed in 1911, the Hippodrome building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and has served as the theatre’s home for more than four decades. With its marble staircases, ornate windows, and now a fully functioning vintage elevator, the building is a testament to Gainesville’s ongoing investment in cultural preservation.

Funding for the elevator restoration was provided by Wild Spaces & Public Places (WSPP), a voter-approved half-cent sales tax that supports the acquisition, improvement, and maintenance of parks, recreation facilities, and cultural landmarks across Gainesville. Since its passage, WSPP has helped fund dozens of community projects that expand access to the outdoors, preserve historic spaces, and enhance quality of life for residents.

The Hippodrome, which continues to present live theater, independent film, and community programs, celebrated the reopening with a touch of humor on social media: “Florida’s oldest elevator has officially returned from its spa day and is feeling fabulous.” Theater staff also noted the lift will provide easier access to productions, including the upcoming The 39 Steps.