Our Town, Our Theatre
Help Raise the Curtain—ONE STAGE AT A TIME!
A new campaign has launched to guide our community through the exciting journey of restoring the DAW Theatre. With a clear roadmap and visual updates, supporters can see exactly what’s been done, what’s still ahead, and how they can help!
STAGE 1: Feasibility Study
A professional study confirmed what our community hoped: restoring the DAW Theatre is both possible and sustainable. It laid out the theatre’s potential for economic impact, cultural value, and long-term success—giving us the green light to move forward.
COMPLETED!
Cost $50K
STAGE 2: Façade & Marquee Restoration
The theatre’s face has been renewed! The exterior façade is restored, and a new glowing marquee now lights up Main Street. This visible transformation signaled the DAW’s revival to the community and built excitement for what’s ahead.
COMPLETED!
Cost $30K
STAGE 3: Historic Designation
The DAW is now officially recognized by the National Park Service on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Register of Historic Places—the only commercial building in Essex County with this honor. Beyond prestige, this designation opens access to significant funding in state and federal tax credits.
COMPLETED!
Cost $15K
STAGE 4: Getting Ready for the Spotlight
Now it’s time for our community to step up and make a difference! We’re working to raise $1M locally to show that residents truly believe in this project. Hitting this goal will unlock additional funding from state and federal programs, including historic tax credits and grants — multiplying the impact of every $1 we raise. Lights, Camera, ACTION! Renovations, the heavy lifting begins—restoring the DAW from the inside out:
In Progress!
Stage 4 Total Cost $3.3M
Architecture, Engineering, & Tax Consulting
Cost $335K
Demo & General Construction
Cost $679K
HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire
Cost $1.1M
Finishing, Furniture & Equipment
Cost $1.1M
STAGE 5: Grand Opening Celebrations!
Right now, we're on STAGE 4, help us get to STAGE 5!
This is more than a renovation. It’s a revival.
The DAW Theatre is a fully certified 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that will provide a professional theatre and preserve a historic building. Through your tax-deductible donation, you can help contribute to that rich culture and help us write the next chapter in The DAW Theatre’s history.
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