Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium & Convention Center

The Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center was dedicated on November 20th, 1925 as a Shrine Mosque. The outer structure was fairly ordinary except the entrance?the facade is a replica of an Egyptian Temple in the Valley of the Nile. The entire building was built at a cost of $262,450. (Potentate for 1923 -O.E. Coulter whom laid the cornerstone on November 27th, 1923) The building was designed by Thomas W. Williamson, Topeka, Kansas.

In the mid twenties, the auditorium stage was the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi. Some of the first stage productions included the Ziegfield Follies and Will Rogers.

In 1940, the city of Pittsburg purchased the building. A renovation of the building was started in July of 1983, financing provided by half-cent sales revenues. The renovation was completed in October, 1984 at a cost of $3,400,000. Architect for the renovation was Seidler, Owsley and Associations. Five years later, a quarter cent sales tax was passed for preservation and maintenance of the auditorium and convention center.

This state of the art edifice is a multi-purpose facility housing a 1,588 seat auditorium and a 7,500 square foot convention center. Annual events in the auditorium include such diverse programs as George Carlin, Cohen Suzeau Geographic Dance performance, area music and dance festivals, religious revivals and local amateur theatrical productions.

The convention center hosts many charitable events ranging from galas to chili and pancake feeds. Elegant wedding receptions, local high school proms and numerous types of fashion shows reflect the versatile lighting and decorating possibilities. The flexibility of the center allows clients to lease one small room for a business meeting or the entire lower level for a sit down dinner for 500.