The Takoma Theatre Conservancy was formed in the spring of 2007 when the future of the historic Takoma Theatre was in doubt. The owner had stated publicly his desire to raze the building if he could not sell it as-is. He requested that the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) remove the building from the Takoma Park Historic District and formally submitted an application to raze the building.
HPRB staff reviewed the application and recommended its rejection by HPRB, citing the building’s contributing status to the Takoma Historic District. At a hearing in May, 2007, the Board voted to deny the raze application based on the staff recommendation and the strong testimony from community members, local organizations, and the Conservancy.
The mission of the Takoma Theatre Conservancy continues: to save the Theatre through acquistion, renovation and development, and oversee its operation as a professionally managed, community-based cultural arts center.
The Takoma Theatre Conservancy, incorporated as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, is governed by a Board of Directors from both DC and nearby MD. Board members collectively have decades of experience creating and managing organizations. Members include educators, theater owner, producer/playwright, author, community business owners, and government and management consultants. The Board is also supported by a multi-disciplinary Board Advisors and architecture, legal, real estate and fundraising consultants.
For more information about the events that led to the formation of the Conservancy, see:
- Owner Plans To Dismantle Theater If There's No Buyer, Washington Business Journal, April 13, 2007
- HPRB Staff Recommendation Report, Takoma Theatre ,May 24, 2007
- Preservation Office Blocks Theater’s Demolition,Gazette.Net, May 30, 2007
- Takoma Theatre Still in Limbo, Takoma Voice, September, 2007
The Conservancy is not associated with the current Theatre operation, nor the Theatre's owner, Mr. Milton McGinty.
Since its inception, the Conservancy and its mission have received extensive community support through contributions and supportive petitions. If you would like to contribute and provide support, click here.