Killis P. Almond, FAIA, NCARB President, Killis Almond Architects, P.C. EDUCATION University of Texas at Austin B. Architecture, 1972 B. S., Architectural Studies, 1971 MEMBER College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects Texas Society of Architect s Certified, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards No. 40,326 Association for Preservation Technology League of Historic American Theatres National Trust for Historic Preservation PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Friends of the Texas Historical Commission (1997 Present, Chairman 1999-2005) Texas Preservation Trust Fund Guardians (1991-1997, Chairman 1995-1997) League of Historic American Theatres, (1986-present, National President (1989-1991), Board Member (1988-1993) AWARDS 2010 Florida Trust Preservation Award - Sarasota Opera House, presented by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc. The 2009 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award League of Historic American Theatres Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, 2007 Award for Historic Restoration - San Pedro Playhouse, San Antonio Conservation Society, 2002 Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement for Quality, Innovation and Teamwork -Ritz Theatre, Tiffin, Ohio, 1999 Elevated to College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architecture, 1999 Heritage Award of Merit - Meridian Housing, Mississippi Heritage Trust, 1999 Award of Merit - Saenger Theatre, Mississippi Heritage Trust 1998 Award of Excellence - Ritz Theatre, Tiffin, Ohio, Northern Ohio Associated Builders and Contractors, 1998 National Preservation Honor Award - Creek Council House, Okmulgee, OK, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1993 Texas Award for the Preservation of Historic Architecture, Texas Historical Commission, 1990 Killis P. Almond, FAIA is President of Killis Almond Architects, P.C. in San Antonio, Texas. His professional experience in Preservation extends over 38 years, and his professional practice as a registered architect concentrating in the preservation of historic resources and cultural resource management, spans the last 37 years. Killis has undertaken many significant design and planning projects involving the restoration and adaptive reuse of historic structures. He has served as the Principal Architect on numerous theatre projects throughout the United States. Killis is remarkably experienced in the physical investigation of structures and has produced numerous historic structure reports, cyclical maintenance programs, adaptive reuse feasibility studies and historic preservation plans. Some of the project types include an 1884 Gothic Adobe Monastery in Stanton, Texas and the 1948 Deco Alameda Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Almond has received numerous awards for the high quality of his preservation work and his personal commitment to his work, including the 2009 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award presented by the League of Historic American Theatres; the Texas Historical Commission s Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture for the restoration of the Paramount Theatre in Abilene and the Old Main Building at Blinn College in Brenham. He has also personally received the Texas Award for the Preservation of Historic Architecture. In 1993 the National Preservation Honor Award was given to the Creek Council House, Okmulgee, OK, by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 1998 he received the National Excellence in Construction Award of Merit from the Associated Builders and Contractors for the rehabilitation of the Ritz Theatre, Tiffin, Ohio. In 1999, he was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects for his significant contribution to the field of preservation in the architectural profession.
Killis has specialized in design for theatre restoration and consulting since 1981. One project in particular is the Sarasota Opera House (Sarasota, FL). The $16 million rehabilitation of the Opera House allowed the building to be used for the production of operas, an opera festival and rentals in the off season. The expansion of the building, structural upgrades, and upgrades for ADA accessibility was completed through a construction management process with the General Contractor, Willis Smith Construction, brought in to work with the Design Team at the midpoint of design development. The Contractor worked closely with the entire Design Team directly through opening night. The work was completed in twelve months and included the complete modernization of the stage house, theatrical lighting, theatrical rigging and theatrical sound and communication systems. The work on the Sarasota Opera was approved through the Florida Archives and History Department since the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Looking toward a sustainable future and thriving on talent and experience, Killis combines basic design principles with data gathering, thorough analysis and a research-driven understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and cultural issues that drive living environments and how people interact with those environments. Customized methodologies are formulated to meet the specific needs of each client effectively connecting context with facilities strategies that promote productivity, communication and community while increasing operational efficiencies for the various environments.
Awards and Honors The 2012 US Air Force Design Merit Award for Building 2270 (Main Theatre) presented by the Department of the Air Force, Air Force, DCS/Logistics, Installations & Mission Support The 2010 Florida Trust Preservation Award, for the Sarasota Opera House, presented by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc. The 2009 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award presented by the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award presented by the Preservation Pennsylvania in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, 2007 Architect for the San Pedro Playhouse recipient of the Award for Historic Restoration from the San Antonio Conservation Society, 2002 The 1998 Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement reflected by Quality, Innovation and Teamwork in the restoration of the Ritz Theatre, Tiffin, Ohio, from the Associated Builders and Contractors, 1999 The Heritage Award of Merit for the appropriate rehabilitation of Meridian Housing I, from the Mississippi Heritage Trust, 1999 Architect for the Saenger Theatre recipient of the Award of Merit for the Master Plan and Technical Evaluation; the Vertical Sign Restoration from the Mississippi Heritage Trust 1998 The Award of Excellence for the restoration of the Ritz Theatre, Tiffin, Ohio, from the Northern Ohio Associated Builders and Contractors, 1998 Architect for the Fred and Hilda Uecker Farmstead recipient of the Out-of-Town Award for Historic Restoration from the San Antonio Conservation Society, 1997 The National Preservation Honor Award for rehabilitation work on the Creek Council House, Okmulgee, Oklahoma from the National Trust for Historic Preservation 1993 The Texas Award for the Preservation of Historic Architecture from the Texas Historical Commission, 1990 Architect for Blinn College recipient of the John and Joyce Kerr Award for greatest achievement in the preservation and re-use of an historic building from the Texas Historical Commission, 1990 The Honor Award, Excellence in Architecture Awards for Palo Alto College from the San Antonio Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 1987 Certificate of Commendation for distinguished service in the field of historic preservation at the county level from the Texas Historical Commission, 1985 Preservation Award from the San Antonio Conservation Society, 1980
Historic Courthouse Projects LaSalle County Courthouse, Cotulla, Texas (2005-2013) Total exterior (Phase I) and interior (Phase II) rehabilitation of the courthouse for more technological functions. New spaces on the third floor and the reuse of certain areas on the second floor for expanded offices and to make a more secure, better functioning courthouse. U.S. Federal Courthouse, Wichita, Kansas (1994-1998) Consultant to local architect on restoration and rehabilitation of historic federal building. The Webb County Courthouse, Laredo, Texas (1992-1996) Project included restoration of exterior, re-opening arched loggias on first and second Floors, restoration of deteriorated or missing limestone dentilated cornice and turned balcony balustrades, and interior restoration; recapturing two-story volume courtroom space to serve as a multi-use community hall as well as County Commissions Courtroom, installation of new mechanical and electrical systems and site work to provide ADA accessibility and appropriate landscape treatment. U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, San Antonio, Texas (1988-1991) Scope of work encompassed an $8 million total remodel of interior spaces for the General Services Administration. The Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, Texas (1980-1994) Project included completion of Historic Structures Report, planning for expansion and total interior restoration of rotunda. (1980-81) Structural Repair for the East Facade (1982) Facilities Planning and Programming for Courthouse Expansion (1993-94) Denton County Historic Structure Report, Denton, Texas (1982) This report included investigation of existing conditions and analysis. The Victoria County Courthouse, Victoria, Texas (1981) Restoration of stonework, windows, cleaning of the exterior, and duplication of carved stone decorative pieces. Hopkins County Courthouse, Sulpher Springs, Texas (1980) Exterior stabilization and the reroofing of flat roof areas. Wilson County Courthouse, Floresville, Texas (1979-1980) Historic Structure Report and three phases of construction to rehabilitate the interior for more efficient use and expansion of agency workspace. Wichita Federal Courthouse, Wichita, Kansas (1994-1998) Consultant for historic rehabilitation of the old post office and courthouse.
Historic Theatre Projects 1894 Grand Opera House, Galveston, Texas (1981-Present) Rehabilitation and restoration of the theatre for use as a performing arts center. The project also included the adaptive reuse of the adjacent hotel into apartments multi-phase project. Goodwill Theater, Johnson City, New York (2013 - Present) Master Plan and Programming Services for the theater; Firehouse stage exterior rehabilitation and infill design. Sarasota Grand Opera House, Sarasota, Florida (2003-2008) Rehabilitation of the old Edwards Theatre into an enhanced, functioning facility befitting a fully operational opera company. The $16 million rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the historic three-story structure included the complete upgrade of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, decorative finishes, auditorium seating, lobby space, exterior façade, and roofing and theatrical support spaces associated with the original design. Alameda Theatre, San Antonio, Texas (1995-2013) Master Plan for the restoration of a 1947 Spanish speaking vaudeville theatre. Rehabilitation into a Spanish speaking performing arts venue with new Stage. House and support building performing arts center. Partnership presentation theatre for the Kennedy Center, Washington, DC. The Majestic Theatre, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (2003-2005) Master Plan, Concept Design, Schematics and Design Development Services, Theatre Consulting for the Rigging, Lighting, Sound and Acoustics. Ritz Theatre, Tiffin, Ohio (1993-2001) Provide Master Plan and theatre design for rehabilitation of 1928 vaudeville house into a performing arts center. Saenger Theatre, Biloxi, Mississippi (1995-1997) Provide Master Plan and Phase I Architectural/Engineering Services for a 1929 vaudeville theatre rehabilitation into a performing arts center. San Pedro Playhouse, San Antonio, Texas (1993-2001) Master Plan and rehabilitation of 1930 community players' theatre in San Pedro Park for the San Antonio Little Theatre. Fox Theatre, Hutchinson, Kansas (1990-1992; 1996-1999) Master Plan and Feasibility/User Study and Technical Theatre Plan. Architect and Theatre consultant including assistance for feasibility Study and Operation Plan. Grand Opera House of Mississippi, Meridian, Mississippi (1989-1992) Feasibility/User Study and Technical Theatre Plan Historic Structure Repor.t
Paramount Theatre, Abilene, Texas (1986-1989) Master Plan and theatre restoration/preservation architect. Construction Management Services and coordination of theatre sub-contractors. Dr. W. W. O Donnell Performing Arts Center, Blinn College, Brenham, Texas (1999-2000) New theatre design/addition to existing theatre complex. Restorations Fred and Hilda Uecker Farmstead, Bulverde, Texas (1994-1996) Restoration of 125 year old German farmstead. Steves Homestead, San Antonio (1984-89) (1994-1995) Restoration of historic residence to its 1904-1912 appearance for the San Antonio Conservation Society. Southwestern Bell Telephone, San Antonio, Texas (1993-1995) This was the original Southwestern Bell building in San Antonio, TX and involved the restoration of sculptural terra cotta facade to repair damages. Capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, Laredo, Texas (1994-1995) Restoration/rehabilitation of 1850+ Spanish Colonial building. Creek Council House, Okmulgee, OK (1989-1992) Restoration/rehabilitation of 1878 masonry building into the Creek Indian Nation Museum. Willis-Moody Residence, Galveston (1989-1991) $10 million restoration and conversion to house museum for Mary Moody Northern Foundation.
Rehabilitation and Adaptive Use Gainesville Train Depot, Gainesville, Texas (1988-2002) Restoration of historic 1901 Santa Fe Depot for use as a museum and Amtrak station, a major hub for Greyhound Bus Line, and a railroad/city museum. Blinn College, Brenham, Texas (1989-1989) Old Main Building: Rehabilitation for administrative offices and classrooms Buccaneer Hall rehabilitation (1995) Lockett Hall rehabilitation (1996) Avenue D School/City Hall, Killeen, Texas (1993-1995) Renovation of historic school for use as City Hall offices and Council Chambers Texas and Pacific Depot, Abilene, Texas (1993-1994) Restoration and rehabilitation of 1910 historic depot and adaptive reuse for Abilene Visitors and Convention Bureau and Cultural Arts Council. Outdoor Theatre, Galveston, Texas (1991-1994) Design for outdoor theatre including portable dance floor, lighting structures and sound and light positions. Tower Life Building, San Antonio, Texas (1988-1995) Restoration of tile roof and decorative terra cotta and cast stone elements; masonry cleaning; and waterproofing of replacement windows. Milam Building, San Antonio, Texas (1988-1994) Cleaning, waterproofing and restoration of deteriorated and defective cast stone parapets and penthouse elements. Grace Cultural Center (Museums of Abilene), Abilene, Texas (1990-1991) Historic investigation, coordination and acquisition of Texas Historical Commission's approval, and completion and inspection of the exterior facade to restore the historic hotel's original appearance. Steves Scott Ranch House, Wimberly, Texas (1985) Rehabilitation and modernization of 1949 stone ranch house. Old Tivy High School, Kerrville, Texas (1984) Rehabilitation of 1890-1894 school house into administrative offices. Calie House and Alderette House, San Antonio, Texas (1980) 1812 structure rehabilitated into offices. Dullnig Building, San Antonio, Texas (1979-80) Rehabilitation of 19th-century office building into shops, offices and private club.
HISTORIC RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION Faver Ranch, Shafter, Texas (1994-1995) Milton Faver, Agriculturist National Register Nomination Hangar No. 4, Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas (1993-1994) H.A.B.S./H.A.E.R. Documentation as mitigation for historic resource to be demolished by U.S. Air Force Base. Clarendon Motor Company Building, Clarendon, Texas (1993-1994) National Register Nomination. Historic Structure Management Plan for the Superconducting Super Collider (1991-1992) Investigation and mitigation for cultural resource management prior to construction. approved by the Texas Historical Commission for Department of Energy. Applewhite Reservoir, San Antonio (1989-1991) Historical investigation, HABS-level drawing and photographic documentation, mitigation recommendations. Smith-Young (Tower Life) Building, San Antonio (1989-90) National Register nomination. Research and published book entitled Texas Border Architecture: Eagle Pass, Texas and Guerrero, Coahuila, Mexico (University of Texas School of Architecture, 1976).
THEATRE PROJECTS Killis Almond, FAIA, has worked on the following projects in the capacity of prime architect, theatre consultant, preservation consultant or as a design consultant through the League of Historic American Theatres for assistance in problem solving or analysis on 80 projects to date. Academy of Music Alameda Theatre Alhambra Theatre Amherst Cinema Apollo Theatre Arcadia Theatre Beacon Theatre Carolina Theatre Carver Community Cultural Center Cascade Theatre Civic Theatre Coleman Theatre Colony Theatre Columbia Theatre Crim Theatre Crystal Theatre Dallas Hall, Southern Methodist University Dr. W. W. O Donnell Performing Arts Center El Centro Espanol de Tampa El Centro Espanol Elsinor Theatre Flynn Theatre for the Performing Arts Fort Clark Springs Theatre Forum Theatre Fox Theatre Fox-Watson Theatre Franks Theatre Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals Goodwill Theatre Forum Theatre The Grand 1894 Opera House Hauschild Opera House Henderson Opera House Henry Opera House Kingsville Opera House Lincoln Theatre Lyric Theatre Northampton, Massachusetts San Antonio, Texas El Paso, Texas Amherst, Massachusetts Martinsburg, West Virginia Kerrville, Texas Hopewell, Virginia Charlotte, North Carolina San Antonio, Texas Ashland, Oregon New Orleans, Louisiana Miami, Oklahoma Marietta, Ohio Hammond, Louisiana Kilgore, Texas Gonzales, Texas Dallas, Texas Blinn College Tampa, Florida Ybor City, Florida Salem, Oregon Burlington, Vermont Brackettville, Texas Binghamton, New York Hutchinson, Kansas Salina, Kansas Abbeville, Louisiana Galveston, Texas Johnson City, New York Binghamton, New York Galveston, Texas Victoria, Texas Henderson, Texas Huntsville, Texas Kingsville, Texas Marion, Virginia Stuart, Florida
Magik Children s Theatre Majestic Theatre Majestic Theatre Majestic Theatre Metropolitan Theatre MRW Studio Theatre, Blinn College National Performing Art Center of Sri Lanka National Theatre New England Performing Arts Center Odean Theatre Oklahoma Theatre Palace Theatre Panida Theatre Paramount Theatre Plaza Theatre Plaza Theatre Polk Theatre Portage Theatre Princess Theatre Provincetown Theatre Ritz Theatre Ritz Theatre Saenger Theatre Saenger Theatre San Pedro Playhouse State Theatre Staunton Performing Arts Center Strand Theatre Sunrise Theatre Tampa Theatre Texas Theatre Texas Theatre Thalian Center for the Performing Arts Tower Hall USAA Auditorium Waco Hippodrome Wayne Theatre Wilson Theatre Yucca Theatre Zeotrope Theatre San Antonio, Texas Chillicothe, Ohio Dallas, Texas Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Morgantown, West Virginia Brenham, Texas Colombo, Sri Lanka Tiffin, Ohio Franklin, Massachusetts Mason, Texas McAlester, Oklahoma Canadian, Texas Sandpoint, Idaho Abilene, Texas El Paso, Texas Laredo, Texas Lakeland, Florida Chicago, Illinois Decatur, Alabama Provincetown, Massachusetts Corpus Christi, Texas Tiffin, Ohio Biloxi, Mississippi Pine Bluff, Arkansas San Antonio, Texas Sioux Falls, South Dakota Staunton, Virginia Shreveport, Louisiana Fort Pierce, Florida Tampa, Florida Pharr, Texas San Angelo, Texas Wilmington, North Carolina Colombo, Sri Lanka San Antonio, Texas Waco, Texas Waynesboro, Virginia Wilson, Texas Midland, Texas Franklin, Massachusetts
Historic Projects (Secretary of the Interior, Texas Historical Commission and other State Historic Preservation Office Standards) Magoffin Home Renovation & Restoration El Paso, Texas Sarasota Opera House Sarasota, Florida Selma Stage Stop Selma, Texas Ft. Sam Houston Buildings 2002 & 2001 Rehabilitation Ft. Sam Houston, Texas Ft. Sam Houston Theatre Restoration & Expansion Ft. Sam Houston, Texas Goodwill Theatre Renovation Johnson City, New York LaSalle County Courthouse Cotulla, Texas Alameda Theater Renovation & Restoration San Antonio, Texas Tower Life Building San Antonio, Texas Mt. Dora Community Building Mt. Dora, Florida Ritz Theatre Renovation Tiffin, Ohio City Hall (Old Avenue D School) Rehabilitation- Killeen, Texas The Grand 1894 Opera House Galveston, Texas The 1884 Carmelite Monastery - Stanton, Texas