Logan Theatre to receive million renovation and be transformed into the Cicely Tyson Performing Arts Center.
The historic Logan Theatre in North Philadelphia is poised for a significant transformation after years of inactivity. Nolbert Brown, Jr., a playwright and director, has announced ambitious plans for a million renovation to revive the theater, which has stood vacant for decades. The redevelopment of the building, located at 4732 Broad Street, will rebrand it as the Cicely Tyson Performing Arts Center, honoring the legacy of the groundbreaking actor and activist.
The revised venue is set to house a 2,650-seat theater designed for plays and musicals. Additionally, plans include a 200-seat restaurant offering live jazz performances, as well as a 4,000 square-foot gift shop. These enhancements aim to create a vibrant cultural hub that resonates with the local community.
The Logan Theatre has a storied history, first opening its doors in 1923. Originally, it hosted silent film screenings accompanied by live orchestras. In 1973, the theater was acquired by the Deliverance Evangelist Church, which utilized the space for religious services until vacating in 1992. Since then, the theater has remained closed, shrouded in neglect.
Owen Williamson, the current owner, purchased the property in 2005 with intentions to renovate it into a live music venue named after his wife, Claretilda. However, financial constraints hindered these plans, leaving the theater dormant. In 2022, Brown signed a 10-year lease with Williamson, expressing his vision of creating a Philadelphia analog to New York’s Apollo Theater. His initiative emphasized showcasing Black artists, with particular attention to genres such as soul, R&B, and gospel, alongside comedy and dance performances.
Initially, Brown had anticipated reopening the theater in 2023 to commemorate its centenary. However, these plans did not materialize as expected, leading to speculation about the future direction of the project. Recent reports indicate that Brown is now focusing on programming Broadway shows and various theatrical performances to attract diverse audiences.
Brown estimates that the theater’s reopening could generate approximately 2,000 jobs in North Philadelphia over its initial years. He is financing the revitalization through personal funds, indicating a deep commitment to bringing this historic venue back to life. While a timeline for the project’s completion has yet to be established, Brown is actively awaiting necessary city permits to proceed with the renovation. As the building holds a place on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, its revival represents a significant opportunity for cultural enrichment and economic development in the region.
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