We reported on this a couple weeks ago, but now there’s an official PR release.
For Immediate Release
November 27, 2007
HARLEM, NEW YORK CITY – Danforth Development Partners, LLC, a Harlem-based real estate developer, has been named by the Harlem Community Development Corporation to develop the old Victoria Theater, which has long been vacant on 125th Street.
Danforth will create a world-class “destination building” that will support and highlight local cultural institutions, increase tourism and enhance the economic environment for local businesses and residents. When construction is complete, the project will include a full service hotel, condominiums, restaurants, a parking garage and 40,500 square feet for a cultural arts performance and exhibition center.
“The Victoria is a Harlem icon with historically providing opportunity and entertainment,” said Steven Williams, Danforth’s Founder and Managing Partner. “We are going to add a new chapter by creating a destination address on 125th Street.” Williams added that Danforth will ensure that Harlem residents are given key roles in the construction and development of the hotel and entertainment complex. As part of the deal, the Harlem Arts Alliance, the Classical Theater of Harlem, and the National Jazz Museum will all be given homes. The Apollo Theater will also have dedicated office space.
“The naming of Danforth to develop the Victoria Theater is a major credit to the selection process,” said Voza Rivers, Chairman of the 400-member Harlem Arts Alliance, an organization comprised of visual and performing artists, not-for-profits and for-profit cultural groups, museums, libraries, universities and churches. “In Danforth and its CEO, Steve Williams, a local, talented, and capable developer has been picked, one with a long track record of incorporating indigenous artists into their development plans. Danforth’s work at 55 W 125th Street and 215 W 125th Street are prime examples. The Harlem Arts Alliance is both pleased and honored to partner with Danforth in utilizing and managing the new 99-seat theater planned for the Victoria. This absolutely guarantees that the facility will be used by local Harlem arts organizations,” added Mr. Rivers.
“This is an important moment in the life of our theatre company, and The Classical Theatre of Harlem is looking forward to living and creating on 125th Street for many years to come,” said Alfred Preisser, Classical Theater of Harlem’s Co-Founder and Artistic Director.
“On behalf of my Co-Director Christian McBride and our Board Chairman Arthur Barnes, it’s hard to find words to express our combination of joy and humility at the prospect of becoming a main cultural component in the development of the Victoria Theater. Steve Williams has put together a team that responds to the needs of the Harlem community, and we are happy to be a part of that response. Our programs already attract several thousand people a year, and the Victoria will make a perfect home for the swinging sounds of jazz,” said Loren Schoenberg, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s Executive Director.
“The Apollo Theater Foundation is pleased and excited to be included in the redevelopment of the Victoria Theater. The Victoria project will result in a major transformation of the cultural landscape of 125th Street and is a welcome addition to the current economic development activity occurring throughout Harlem,” said Jonelle Procope, President and CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.
Danforth Development Partners is perhaps most well known for the major improvements made to 55 West 125th Street, the building that houses former President Bill Clinton’s offices. Other projects that Danforth has successfully completed include 215 W. 125th Street and the United House of Prayer on 125th Street.
“Many of our projects house tenants who are in the non-profit and government sectors. These entities provide services that enhance the quality of life for residents of the community, and we’re very proud of that,” commented Mr. Williams.
“Danforth remains committed to the communities we serve. Our philosophy is that every project should have a positive impact that extends beyond the limits of the properties’ boundaries. Community businesses and local residents should benefit from all phases of the development process from inception through operations. This philosophy is evident in the successful projects we’ve done. We will bring that same dedication and energy to the Victoria Theater project,” added CEO Williams.
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About Danforth Development Partners, LLC: Harlem-based Danforth focuses on unlocking the hidden value in real estate properties. We do this through acquisition and development of land, redevelopment of structures, or by partnering with real estate owners who want to realize their properties’ full value our experience includes traditionally attractive investment properties, land and structures in emerging & inner city markets. Danforth’s Founder and Managing Partner, M. Steven C. Williams, has renovated millions of square feet of office, retail, and residential space, and has worked as a development partner with numerous non-profits to reposition their investment properties and maximize their return on investment. Find Danforth on the web: http://www.danforthdev.com
The Victoria Theater — a little background: The Loew’s Victoria opened in 1917, just a few doors away from the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem. For more than 50 years, it was renowned as one of the biggest vaudeville houses in New York. It closed as a Loew’s theater in 1969. In 1987, it was reopened as a five-plex movie theater. It was only open for about two years, closing in late 1989. Occasionally, in the early 90’s, African-American art films were screened in one of the auditoriums. The theater was sometimes used for church services but has largely been unused for a decade.
Posted on November 27, 2007 by loveisdope