Takoma Theatre breaks ground on restoration

Since 2005, the historic Takoma Theatre has been vacant. Recently, developer Rock Creek Property Group broke ground on the restoration of the development, located at 6833 4th Street NW. The plans for the venue are to redevelop it for office, retail, and entertainment uses. Delivery is slated for the summer of 2017.

According to a press release shared by PoPville:

“The Takoma marquee sign will be restored and the exterior masonry will be repointed. The original structural-steel trusses will be restored and exposed to create dramatic loft-style space on the new second floor. To create a modern interior and enhance natural light throughout the property, windows will be added or restored on all four sides of the building, and skylights will be incorporated into the new roof structure.”

The 23,000-square-foot, two-floor property will eventually offer 20-foot-high ceilings. Tenants are still being sought for the theatre, which has a dedicated surface parking lot. The location is only two blocks away from the Takoma Metro station.

Opened in July 1923, 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.

• The Takoma Theatre will have few equals in the city once our renovation is completed [PoPville]

• Takoma Theatre to Finish Renovations by End of Year [Curbed DC]