Atlanta’s second-oldest professional theater will soon receive a $2 million renovation with financial assistance from a $200,000 Westside TAD Downtown Façade Improvement Grant.

In 2005, the Theatrical Outfit, which has been operating in Atlanta for 45 years, purchased and renovated the historic Herren’s Restaurant building at 84 Luckie St., making it their permanent home. Herren’s Restaurant was a prominent business in downtown Atlanta from 1934 until 1987, after which the building remained vacant until it was purchased by Bill Balzer and donated to Theatrical Outfit in 2005.

The Theatrical Outfit is now undertaking a $2 million renovation of the Balzer Theater to include expansion of the lobby space, updates to the interior and restoration of the façade to create a more visible storefront that historically aligns with the original exterior design.

Other improvements will include a new energy-efficient LED display marquee signage and new and enlarged windows. What’s more, the original Herren’s sign, which is currently mounted on an interior stairwell, will be relocated to the lobby and illuminated to ensure visibility from the street.