Historic Takoma Theatre proposed to be used for Children’s National Medical Center

For over a decade now, the historic, 1923-built Takoma Theatre in Washington, D.C., has sat vacant, but soon it may have a new life as a satellite clinic space for Children’s National Medical Center.

Washington Business Journal reports that the newly restored and expanded property now includes a second story, causing the entire space to total over 23,000 square feet. Originally, the developer’s plan was to redevelop the space for office, retail, and entertainment uses, but it looks like it may end up being used for Children’s National’s offices and 40 exams rooms. The space will also include 863 square feet of ground-floor retail.

The location is at 6833 4th Street NW, an NC-2 zone, which allows for office, residential, and retail uses, not medical uses. Because of this, the developer will need to get the Board of Zoning Adjustment’s approval to rezone the site.

The theatre was one of the first designed by architect John Jacob Zink, who later went on to design Washington, D.C.'s Atlas Performing Arts Center and Uptown Theatre. In 1980, the Takoma Theatre closed down before reopening three years later as a venue for live performances. The non-profit organization Takoma Theatre Arts Project's lease eventually ended in late 2005.

The architect behind the project is Cunningham|Quill Architects, while the developer is Rock Creek Property Group.

• Children's National to take over historic Takoma Theatre [Washington Business Journal]

• The Takoma Theater May House Children’s Medical Center [UrbanTurf]

• Takoma Theatre breaks ground on restoration [Curbed DC]