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Most Endangered Places
2001

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Most Endangered Places for 2001

Historic Theaters

Howard Theater 600 Block of T Street, NW

From the 1920s to the 1970s, Washington's historic theaters were centers of community life, hosting live stage performances and motion pictures. Demolition by neglect threatens many of our theaters. The Howard Theatre (pictured), 620 T Street, NW, is an example. The 1,200-seat theatre was the world's largest theatre managed by African Americans when it was completed in 1910. Its ornate facade, replete with columns and sculpture, was simplified in an attempt to "modernize" it in the 1930s. One of the most significant African American landmarks in Washington, the Howard's stage was graced by several generations of legendary entertainers, including "Duke" Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Diana Ross and the Supremes. The building's interior is severely deteriorated. Dark for over two decades, the Howard is in an area slated for redevelopment. Other endangered historic theaters include the Academy (Meaders), Atlantic, Atlas, Congress, Dunbar, Georgia, Howard, Jesse (Stanton), Naylor; Newton, Park, and Tivoli Theaters. The League has filed a landmark application for the Atlas Theater (1938), 1331 H Street, NE, designed by John J. Zink. The League continues to advocate the protection, rehabilitation and reuse of theaters as originally intended.

Co-chairs: T. David Bell and Charles Cassell

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