tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post1279836138692650488..comments2024-03-25T18:50:15.135-04:00Comments on DCmud - The Urban Real Estate Digest of Washington DC: Drama Over Takoma TheatreKenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08295461340042242438noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-15948464683287516222009-08-17T20:57:52.092-04:002009-08-17T20:57:52.092-04:00Hello Angela. Actually Angela was on the TTAP Boar...Hello Angela. Actually Angela was on the TTAP Board which operated a very good program in the theater several years ago. The current organization is very different and working on a different premise. They hired Webb Consulting in NY, one of the premier theater consulting firms, to do an extensive feasibility on a program that would make the theater viable. They reported that it would take diversified programming and additional space at the theater for rehearsals, offices, classrooms, etc. The educational component is important. A wing on the building is essential.<br /><br />The Conservancy would have to own the building in order to build an addition and to secure financing that is available for non-profit arts and education programs. The fundraising plans are very high level compared to what TTAP was able to do. The Conservance has already been able to get grants to hire a fundraising consultant and to have other studies done. they have an excellent lawyer and commercial real estate broker who have worked on other non-profit arts space in DC. <br /><br />The city has already invested tens of thousands of dollars and spoken with Mr. McGinty about purchasing the theater. He agreed to sell, in fact, but withdrew his agreement a few days later -- a typical pattern.<br /><br />The ability to run a program and to raise the funds for purchase, renovation, and program support are not in question. It will take work but everything takes work. <br /><br />The only thing needed is for Mr. McGinty to sell the building so it can be saved and become a community resource, a tribute to the years he has operated the theater.Sharon Villineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02484854982103983378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-90765414845886385442009-08-17T09:45:28.230-04:002009-08-17T09:45:28.230-04:00As a former Takoma Theatre Board member this makes...As a former Takoma Theatre Board member this makes me sad. But the unfortunate fact is - there is no, workable go-to-market strategy for Takoma Theatre. The venue is too large for the neighborhood as anything other than a film venue and even to do that would require $1 million+ in renovation and with the AFI around the corner there is just not justification for the expense. Sadly, Mr McGinty is right IMHO, without some deep-pocketed, benevolent, historian backer, the Theatre would be better as an apartment building with a small (100 seat) theatre. THAT would do more good for the neighborhood and the theatre community at large.Angelanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-69469353107332509992009-08-04T22:53:22.026-04:002009-08-04T22:53:22.026-04:00"Could be a great neighborhood" Sounds l..."Could be a great neighborhood" Sounds like you are some kind of urban real estate professional full of piss and vinegar. Historic Districts all over the country create tension. This will work itself out one way or the other over time. In the meantime let us know what urban utopian paradise you live in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-6296224221491384082009-08-04T17:41:02.545-04:002009-08-04T17:41:02.545-04:00The Takoma Theatre Conservancy has had extensive p...The Takoma Theatre Conservancy has had extensive professional analysis done of their business plan for operating the theater which was very positive. It has also talked with dozens of theater, dance, music, and film artists who enthusiastically support renovation of the building.<br /><br />The department of historic preservation has told Mr. McGinty several times that he not only cannot demolish the building but he cannot alter the exterior. When he bought the building he knew it was in a historic district and could not be altered. <br /><br />The theater is one of the first buildings designed by John Jacob Zink who designed the Senator in Baltimore and about 200 other art deco theaters in this area. Most of them have been torn down. This is the earliest example of his work that is unaltered from the original state.<br /><br />It is unfortunate that Mr. McGinty has taken this position. One would think he would want the building he has loved and supported all these years to be returned to full use serving the neighborhood. Many residents remember the theater from their youth and are anxious for it to reopen.<br /><br />The Conservancy is working with one of the top architectural firms in DC, Martinez and Johnson, who restored the Boston Opera House. They will provide Takoma with a truly beautiful centerpiece that will enrich the cultural and well as economic life of the community. <br /><br />The people Mr. McGinty is hurting are the people in the community who love the theater as much as he does.Sharon Villineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02484854982103983378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-30787875234729762172009-08-04T14:08:41.127-04:002009-08-04T14:08:41.127-04:00Anonymous3- We did read the article in the Takoma ...Anonymous3- We did read the article in the Takoma Park Newsletter. We did not get the "overwhelming content" of our information from the Jones article. We did get our information from the Conservancy website, DC government documents and the conversation we had with Mr. McGinty. Our sources provided the foundation of our story, not the newsletter article. We care about our reputation as a quality source of information and would appreciate if you'd keep your false assumptions to yourself or address them to us directly for response. Thanks.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05755127356637868665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-34157807431837704612009-08-04T14:08:31.291-04:002009-08-04T14:08:31.291-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05755127356637868665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-70471862852486293472009-08-04T13:11:18.590-04:002009-08-04T13:11:18.590-04:00You ought to have attributed the overwhelming cont...You ought to have attributed the overwhelming content of your blog to its original source:<br />City of Takoma Park Newsletter, July, 2009 and the article by Joy Lawson Jones. See page 3.<br />http://www.takomaparkmd.gov/news/newsletter/2009/July09.pdf<br /><br />Have you no shame?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-42417000310907160622009-08-04T11:04:03.171-04:002009-08-04T11:04:03.171-04:00Takoma = crazies = own worst enemies. So sad. Coul...Takoma = crazies = own worst enemies. So sad. Could be a great neighborhood.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305958.post-86948937966125195412009-08-02T22:09:06.554-04:002009-08-02T22:09:06.554-04:00You actually talked with McGinty? Does he seem rat...You actually talked with McGinty? Does he seem rational to you? Does he seem all there?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com