Existing comment:
History of the Landmark
DC Historic Landmark | April 25, 1996
National Register of Historic Places | August 16, 1996
The Avalon is the oldest surviving movie theatre in Washington DC. Originally called The Chevy Chase Theatre, it was built in 1922 and opened in February 1923. It was renamed The Avalon Theatre in 1929.
In early 1937, the theatre was completely remodeled, including the addition of the new marquee and an air conditioning system. The Avalon 2, a smaller second theatre, replaced a former ballet school on the second floor in 1970. The popular mural by Dana Westring was added to the dome of the main auditorium in 1985.
When it was closed in March 2001, The Avalon was the city's longest continuously running movie theatre. In November 2001, The Avalon Theatre was formed to save the theatre. Under the leadership of Bob Zich, the non-profit corporation rallied hundreds of area residents who eagerly signed petitions, donated money, and volunteered time.
In September 2002, landlord Douglas Jemal and the Project agreed to work as partners to reutrn this beautiful historic building to its original glory and create a first class movie theatre. Together the Avalon Theatre Project, Douglas Development Corporation, the DC government, numerous organizations and businesses, and countless members of the community succeeded where so many had failed. Thanks to their efforts, the Avalon was lovingly restored and reopened in April 2003.
Avalon Theatre Project Founding Board:
Bob Zich, Chair
Jennifer Kaplan, Vice-Chair
Bill Oberdorfer, Treasurer
Jill Bernstein
Teresa Grana
Muriel Watkins
Alan Zich
The Avalon Theatre Project is an ongoing community-wide effort to support and maintain The Avaion. |