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The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners
The Howard Theatre Restoration, Marshall Moya  Design | International Design Awards Winners

The Howard Theatre Restoration

CompanyMarshall Moya Design
Lead Designers
ClientMichael Marshall
Prize(s)Honorable Mention
Project LinkView
Entry Description

The Howard Theatre, founded in 1910, was one of the first
theatres for African American performing arts; a true
cultural gem of Washington DC and for US history. It was
abandoned for over 30 years and the interior was destroyed
from neglect; however Marshall Moya Design (MMD) revived
the theatre while preserving its history and elegance with a
21st century means of expression. MMD preserved the five
original columns, the dome, layout, and balconies. The
firm’s design of the theatre garnered national and
international attention for the tasteful renovation and
restoration that honors the past, while incorporating
elements of a modern performance venue.

Traditionally, a wall of signatures marked the legacy of past
performers. This concept has been resurrected in a modern
format to preserve the legendary icons of the past, present,
and the future. Throughout the theatre, light boxes preserve
the history of past performers like Ella Fitzgerald, Diana
Ross, and Ray Charles. Patrons can interact with the images
in a visually stunning medium, ranging in size up to 15 feet
tall.

The technical requirements bring the theatre up-to-date,
including state-of-the-art systems to enhance the venue for
the contemporary enjoyment of patrons. The flexible
seating arrangement accommodates all types of
performances, with a hydraulic lift that can transform the
theater from supper-club-style seating for 650 into a
ballroom space for 1,100 in 40 minutes. A full-service
restaurant and kitchen, two Brazilian granite bars, custom
signage, leather seating, two DJ booths, and warm walnut
paneled walls with dark oak floors all contribute to an
elegant experience and atmosphere for patrons.

The venue is a multi-functional cultural amenity that hosts
live performances, platforms for political gatherings,
corporate events and “Sunday Gospel” brunches. The
public/private partnership of this project facilitated economic
development and urban renewal in the Shaw neighborhood
of Washington, DC.