Landmark Gets a Sequel Thanks to a Rallying Community, Reopened NW Theater Is a Becoming Attraction by David Nakamura
The closing of the historic Avalon Theater in upper
Northwest Washington two years ago produced widespread
angst and agony in the Chevy Chase neighborhood where
it is located. But not in the home of Dave and Lisa
Ryan, who live a few blocks away.
While some neighbors bemoaned the loss of what they
considered an icon in their community, the Ryans shrugged.
"It was sad, but we didn't understand why so many
people got so worked up," Lisa Ryan said. "We
just figured we'd go to the theaters over in Friendship
Heights."
Yesterday, however, the Ryans were among more than 100
residents and city leaders on hand for the reopening
of the Avalon, which has had an remarkable transformation.
Thanks to a $750,000 restoration project—paid
for by donations from residents, small- business owners,
a private development firm and the city—the Avalon
began screening films again last month during the D.C.
Film Festival and on Friday will offer its first two
full-length features since reopening.
With the ceremonial red-ribbon cutting by Mayor Anthony
A. Williams (D) and several D.C. Council members at
about 11:30 a.m., the Avalon was officially back in
business at 5612 Connecticut Ave. Popcorn popped, previews
played on the main screen (a second, smaller theater
is upstairs) and a Marilyn Monroe impersonator flirted
with the crowd outside.
"Like Mr. Rogers would say, 'This is a beautiful
day in the neighborhood,'" said Williams, sporting
a new look himself: a closely buzzed haircut. Pointing
to the businesses on the same block, the mayor added:
"I love going to Starbucks. And the drugstores
are nice. But isn't it nice to have a theater right
here?"
The crowd responded with its approval, as did the Ryans.
"They did a beautiful job," Dave Ryan said.
"At first we just weren't that interested in it,
but now we're kind of inspired by what they were able
to accomplish. Without this place, this neighborhood
really didn't have an anchor, but now it does."
Whether the Avalon will find success showing independent,
offbeat films as counterprogramming to the Hollywood
blockbusters found at the competing megaplexes remains
to be seen.
But the story of the fall and rise of the Avalon is
the kind made for the big screen.
The theater was built in 1922 and, after its recent
makeover, it once again has the cozy feel of that era.
Because it is a throwback, the theater had trouble competing
when megaplexes came along, with their stadium seating
and huge screens. Over time, other similar small theaters
went out of business, such as the Key, the Biograph
and the MacArthur.
By 2001, the aging Avalon was owned by Loews Cineplex
and was on the verge of physical and economic collapse.
The roof leaked, the heating system worked only occasionally
and profits were nonexistent.
After a showing of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,"
Loews pulled the plug—turning off the lights and
projectors, ripping out seats and screens and putting
the place up for sale.
Bob Zich, 64, had other ideas.
"It seemed wrong that this beautiful theater could
be unceremoniously closed," said Zich, a retired
librarian who fondly recalls taking his son Alan, now
32, to the Avalon years ago. "Our worst nightmare
was that it would just remain empty for five or six
years because they wouldn't be able to find a buyer."
Zich and other residents eventually set up a table outside
the theater and collected 1,100 signatures on a petition
to keep the theater open. When that didn't work, the
residents went a step further: They struck a deal with
private developer Douglas Jemal in which he would buy
and renovate the theater, with help and donations from
the community.
Residents helped raise more than $300,000, including
a $50,000 grant from the city and $106,000 raised in
a campaign that put donors' names on plaques installed
on the seats. Jemal footed the rest of the bill. The
renovation project included removing the drop ceiling
and restoring the vaulted ceiling; putting in more comfortable
seats; installing a new chandelier in the foyer; and
adding new medallions and finals to the exterior.
Other changes have occurred, too. A Ben and Jerry's
ice cream shop is to move in next to the theater, replacing
a used-book store.
"This shows what a community can accomplish if
it works with grit and determination," said D.C.
Council member Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4), who was on
hand along with colleagues Kathy Patterson (D-Ward 3)
and Carol Schwartz (R-At Large). Rep. Chris Van Hollen
(D-Md.) also showed up because the theater is only a
few blocks from Mongtomery County.
Residents are still trying to raise about $100,000 install
an elevator, which would give disabled patrons access
to the second-floor screen.
In some ways, the hardest work may lie ahead.
"We have to prove ourselves," acknowledged
Jill Bernstein, a resident who is handling publicity
for the Avalon. "We have to get people to come
to the theater."
