Home

About

In the News 

Business Member Directory

Join

Calendar

Newsletter

Most Endangered Places
1999

DC's Historic Districts

Historic Site Inventory

Contact

Most Endangered Places for 1999

Historic Theaters

Howard Theater 600 Block of T Street, NW

Washington's historic theaters represent a significant aspect of community life, especially during the period from 1920 to 1950. Often these theaters hosted both live stage performances and motion pictures. Several of Washington's theaters helped pioneer the Art Deco style in the city. Several innovations of the motion-picture theater industry were first tried in Washington. Many of these theaters are threatened and in need of protection. The threats range from demolition-by-neglect to abandonment. The focus is the Tivoli Theater, located at 14th Street and Park Road, NW. The Tivoli Theater was designed by Thomas Lamb, a prominent nationally known theater architect, and built by Harry M. Crandall, a local pioneering movie theater operator. The 1800-seat theater, which opened in 1924, was built for well in excess of $1 million for a strictly middle-class clientele. The theater accommodated live music and motion pictures. The elegant building, with its lobby festooned with vast marble columns, ornate fountains, and pastoral murals, has remained dark for almost a quarter-century. The theater is in a terrible state of disrepair and is located in an area that is prime for redevelopment. The League hopes to play a role in encouraging the inclusion of a rehabilitated theater in any plans for the neighborhood.

Co-chairs: Charles Cassell and T. David Bell

PREVIOUS