The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development announced today the selection of Howard Theatre Development Group, LLC, to enter into exclusive negotiations to lease and redevelop the historic Howard Theatre, located at 620 T Street, NW in the heart of the Cardozo/Shaw and LeDroit Park neighborhoods.

Howard Theatre Development Group, LLC presented a strong and creative development plan and a strong development team.  The plan for the Howard includes mixed used entertainment with dining and educational facilities; museum and retail shops; performance theater, and programs that include educational outreach and partnerships with other theaters, museums and associations.

“I look forward to seeing the Howard come alive and spur the further revitalization of the Cardozo/ Shaw and LeDroit Park neighborhoods,” said Deputy Mayor Stanley Jackson. “To hear music, applause and laughter coming from this iconic symbol of African American history will be great.”

The Howard Theatre Development Group, LLC will soon begin negotiations with the District on the details of this partnership, including final lease and development terms.

Built in 1910, the Howard Theatre was a prominent performing arts center in one of Washington, DC’s African-American neighborhoods and entertainment districts.  The theatre closed in the 1970s. Today, the Howard Theatre is remembered as a “music house” and an important home to legendary accomplishments by many acclaimed and diverse cultural and musical artists whose impact was worldwide.

The District’s vision is to reposition the Howard Theatre as not only an icon of past achievements, but also as a competitive, self-sufficient and contemporary venue for launching future generations of musical and cultural talent and for showcasing today’s most celebrated artists. The District envisions the property as a mixed-use entertainment facility that will foster economic vitality in the area that once was known as “Black Broadway.”