The historic Sedgwick Theatre will be renovated following its new acquisition through its long-time tenant, Quintessence Theatre Group.
Quintessence purchased the Mt. Airy assets from David and Betty Ann Fellner for $2. 3 million, the organization announced Friday. Over the next few years, Quintessence plans to spend $8 million to increase more seating and mirror the theater’s original marquee. The Sedgwick opened its doors in 1928 as a movie theater.
“For us, this is a commitment to Mount Airy and to this network that has supported us for 14 years,” said Erica Ezold, CEO of Quintessence. “It allows us, as owners of the building, to access federal and state authorities. invest in other tactics than if we were tenants and be able to turn the area into a privileged production area. ”
The new canopy will grow larger toward the sidewalk and will come with lighting fixtures; The existing one is flat opposite the façade of the building and has plastic letters. The theater will be expanded 16 feet to add one hundred seats. Quintessence also plans to build new changing rooms and bathrooms in the building, air conditioning, plumbing, lighting, acoustics and accessibility.
Voith
Ezold said he expects the marquee renovations to be completed by the end of next summer. Renovations of the rest of the construction could begin in early 2026 and finish until 2027. With the exception of the first two shows, the 2026 theater season will be held outside the construction site.
“Lately we’re looking at features and thinking about what we could produce this season, and we’re taking this as an opportunity to bring Quintessence to other parts of Philadelphia as well,” Ezold said.
Several other organizations lease space in Sedgwick, but Ezold said he doesn’t think they’ll be affected by the renovations.
When the Sedgwick opened, the Art Deco Theatre, designed by William Harold Lee, had 1,600 seats and an orchestra pit. The cinema closed in 1966 and the building was used as a warehouse until the Fellners bought it in 1994 and created the Sedgwick Cultural Center. Quintessence’s artistic director, Alex Burns, began renting the area for his theater organization in 2010.
Quintessence plans to retain as much of the original Art Deco focal points as possible, adding plasterwork and soft fixtures. The renovations mark the first time the building has been deliberately designed as a theater, Ezold said, adding that he hopes it will bring visibility to Quintessence’s work.
“It’s a huge accomplishment in today’s landscape to operate a theater company and to make other people recognize the importance of theater and the arts in their lives, and that it’s worth investing in,” Ezold said. “So I think if, right now, we can shine and bring excitement to the creation of what will be a great networking hub in Sedgwick for Quintessence, that’s what I’m most excited about. “