The designation allows the use of state tax credits to raise significant funds for renovation.
This week the Virginia Department of Historic Resources National Register Evaluation Committee recommended that the DAW Theatre be individually eligible for the state and national registers, opening the door to significant funding opportunities for renovating and restoring the historic theater.
As the DAW Theatre Foundation prepared to launch a major capital campaign to raise funds to restore the historic theater, the board was exploring fundraising options for the $3.5 million project. By using and selling historic tax credits, the theater’s campaign could be assured a head start of nearly $2 million.
The group hit a snag, however, when they discovered that the theater, though physically located in the recognized Tappahannock historic district, was not listed on the state and national registers and might not be eligible for the historic tax credits. When the historic district was initially mapped and registered, it included only buildings constructed prior to 1885. The DAW was built in 1938.
After a frenzy of research shared among the board, the Department of Historic Resources, and consultants from Frazier Associates and GMG Theatre Consultancy, the DHR recognized that the theater held historic significance for several reasons. First, the architect of the theater, Edward F. Sinnott, was prominent and designed several other buildings that have been recognized as historically significant. Second, though many of the interior details of the theater, most notably the seats, were destroyed in a fire, the records of Mr. Sinnott that are housed at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture include detailed drawings of the interior of The DAW which will aid in restoration.
As a result of the efforts of The DAW Foundation board of directors, the Department of Historic Resources has decided to revisit and update the Tappahannock Historic District later this year, which may provide funding opportunities for other properties in the district.
The DAW Theatre Foundation President, Dana Bartholomew said “we hope this will benefit not only the theater but also the revitalization of downtown Tappahannock. With this wonderful news we are ready to launch our capital campaign.”
The DAW Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to guiding the construction, revitalization, development of programming and launch of a renewed theater operation at the historic DAW Theatre in Tappahannock.The vision for renovating and reopening The DAW Theatre is not just about a building. It’s about what the building does for the community. We envision an arts center that is home to comedy acts, children’s theatre, concerts, old movies, plays, symphony performances, ballet, dance, live performances, shows on screen and more.
The DAW Theatre Foundation is looking for investors for tax credits and donors for sponsorship opportunities. For more information visit https://thedawfoundation.org/ or contact info@thedawfoundation.org.
