The historic Lincoln Theatre is a non profit performing arts venue located in the vibrant U Street district and managed by the U Street Theatre Foundation.  Originally a vaudeville theatre and movie house open in the 1920s, the “Jewel on U” has reopened as DC’s National Theatre and a cultural crossroads where diverse and stimulating entertainment programming is offered. 

 

First opened in 1922, the Lincoln Theatre and the Colonnade prospered for forty years by hosting coming-out balls, Big Band dances and live acts, including Bessie Smith, Moms Mabley, Louise Beavers, Hattie McDaniel, Freddie Washington and W.C. Handy. The Colonnade was demolished in the 1960s, and the Lincoln closed in 1979.

 

With the economic resurgence of the early 1980s, interest in the area re-bloomed. The District of Columbia government assumed ownership of the Theatre, and invested $7 million in restoring it to its original appearance. The theatre was then re-opened in 1994.

 

The current project involves replacing the roof, three roof top HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) units, and two water heaters.  Selected paint and plaster repair will also be done.