The most powerful stories don't just happen on a stage; they begin at the entrance. For the Historic Sidney Theatre in Ohio, reimagining its role in the community meant forging a closer connection to downtown Sidney. This transformation was made possible by the addition of VertiStack® Clear Doors, generously donated by Clopay® Corporation. This innovative design element opened the theatre to the street, welcoming the community to be a part of the theatre’s ongoing story.
Redefining Space with VertiStack Doors
The VertiStack Door was born from a desire for something more. Engineered for those who refuse to compromise— the door is made for architects, designers, and homeowners looking for effortless transitions. The result is a fusion of two worlds: the expansive windows of a sectional door and the space-saving capabilities of a rolling door.

With the absence of overhead ceiling tracks, it transcends conventional architectural limitations, unlocking the "third wall" for limitless design potential. As Dean Monnin, President of Dayton Door Sales and garage door dealer on the project, put it: "What I like most about the VertiStack Door is the footprint, or lack thereof." This design choice also removes the visual clutter of traditional systems—no visible hinges, cables, or tracks—allowing for a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The result? Freedom to showcase statement light fixtures, integrate HVAC systems, or simply enjoy a space defined by architectural continuity.
Every detail of the VertiStack Door is customizable, allowing you to fine-tune design, light, and privacy:
- Panel Options: Choose from a variety of glass, acrylic, or aluminum panels, and glazing to control visibility and aesthetics.
- Frame Finishes: Available finishes include standard clear anodized, painted white, or bronze, as well as custom Color Blast® colors.
VertiStack Doors: Enhancing Architecture and Functionality in Every Application
The VertiStack Door is a versatile design element that adapts to the way we live and entertain. In residential settings, the VertiStack® Avante® Door has become a favorite for spaces designed for leisure and family connection. Imagine a multipurpose garage that fully opens to the warm summer breeze, a party barn that effortlessly brings the family together for celebrations, or a workshop that lets in abundant natural light and fresh air.
Beyond the home, the VertiStack Clear Door is a staple in modern commercial design, transforming the way businesses connect with their surroundings. You'll find these incorporated into trendy restaurants and bars, transitioning indoor dining to vibrant outdoor patios, and in hotels, for open, inviting lobbies. These doors are also a smart choice for offices and schools, allowing for flexible, light-filled spaces that promote productivity and well-being.
The VertiStack Door is a timeless feature that blends naturally with the architecture of your home or building. Its compact stacking sections can be discreetly recessed into a ceiling soffit, making it nearly invisible when open. The VertiStack Door is a testament to the fact that the most elegant features are the ones that blend in, enhance character, and steal the show.
Historic Impact: The Sidney Theatre's Transformation

Charming brick buildings. Tree-lined streets. Cozy coffee shops. That’s the feeling of downtown Sidney, Ohio. Just minutes from the town square stands the Historic Sidney Theatre, a beloved movie house that first graced the community in 1921. Its ongoing transformation into a vibrant performing arts hub has been a labor of love since restoration efforts began in 2009.
The design team faced a challenge: how to seamlessly blend modern function into a structure built a century ago. Specifically, the street-facing multipurpose rooms flanking the main entryway needed a practical solution to open up the spaces for easy prop storage, community events, and live performances.
"We needed to get rid of the bay windows that were there," explained Cameron Eisenhardt, former President of the Board for The Historic Sidney Theatre. "Clopay Corporation came in big for us." Led by Lori Hendrickson, Clopay Corporation Senior Dealer Account Manager, a generous partnership quickly formed. Clopay teamed with Dayton Door Sales, Westerheide Construction Company, and the architectural firm Freytag & Associates, Inc. to donate and install the two model VS904U VertiStack Clear Doors.
The VertiStack Clear Doors at the Historic Sidney Theatre offer balanced light and simple functionality. Doors feature an anodized clear aluminum frame with insulated, tempered glass and frosted glazing.
Director Kara Zimmerman highlights the appeal of the VertiStack Clear Door, noting, "It’s compact, it’s chic, and it’s quiet." More importantly, Dalaney Wilson, the theatre’s executive director, notes how the space-saving design has transformed the rooms. She explains, “Since it’s our multipurpose space, we’re able to take things out of the doors and bring things in that didn’t necessarily fit in here before.”
This newfound flexibility has created a dynamic new space for the theatre, allowing for extra storage space and a place to host live performances, art classes, and events, strengthening its connection with the local community.
Ready to Transform Your Space with VertiStack Doors?
Imagine changing a wall into a window, and that window into an open space. That's the power of the VertiStack Door.
While traditional overhead doors are a great option, they aren’t suitable for every design. Overhead doors take up valuable ceiling space with horizontal tracks, limiting lighting and decor options. VertiStack Doors offer a truly innovative stacking functionality that gives both designers and homeowners unprecedented design freedom.
When open, the door is engineered to be nearly invisible, stacking discreetly above the opening. When recessed into a ceiling soffit, it disappears completely. Even when closed, its expansive windows and minimalist profile create a sense of continuity, harmonizing with nearly any architectural style, from a modern home to a historic commercial space.
VertiStack Doors are an impressive solution that enhances the holistic experience of any space. And, they stand out by being honest in both form and function:
- Durable & Dependable: Built with high-strength anodized aluminum frames and durable components, these doors are designed for long-term, reliable performance in busy commercial settings and active home garages. They're easy to operate and built to last.
- A Unified Aesthetic: The clean, minimal design and quiet operation achieve a sense of architectural purity, elevating the connection between your interior living or working space and the world outside.
Explore New Design Possibilities with VertiStack Doors
You’ve seen the powerful potential for VertiStack Door to blend historic preservation with modern function at the Sidney Theatre. Now, we invite you to consider the architectural possibilities it could unlock for your own project.

Will your next design be the one that redefines a home, enhances a business, or reinvigorates a community space? If you're ready to explore this innovative solution, contact your local Clopay dealer today to learn more about the VertiStack Door.



