Avalon Theater Reopens Its Doors

After almost two years of vacancy, the historic Avalon Theater will reopen in February, completely restored, under a new operator and featuring new retail. The reopening of the theater, located on Connecticut Avenue near McKinley Street in Chevy Chase, comes as a result of more than a year of intense fundraising and campaigning.

Originally opened in 1923, the theater was closed by Loews Cineplex Entertainment in March 2001, leaving the building completely stripped of its interiors and at the risk of being redeveloped for retail purposes. But the community was determined to keep the Avalon Theater opened, and in November 2001, the nonprofit Avalon Theater Project was established to do just that. Garnering support from individuals community groups, politicians and businesses throughout the District, the group worked hand-in-hand with developer Douglas Jemal in order to save the city's oldest operating theater.

By November, the group had raised more than $275,000 toward the cost of the renovations with hopes to raise more than $700,000 through continued fundraising. The group recently reached an agreement with P&G Theatres to manage the two-screen cinema.

The renovations include a new roof, repairs to heating and cooling systems and all new interiors including, curtains, theater seats and equipment. In addition the Latin American youth and family Center, a nonprofit youth and family center has signed an open a Ben & Jerry's shop within the theater in May. Once reopened, the Avalon will show first-run movies as well as art and independent films.