Emith Temple Christmas party at Dunbar Theatre, 1947
A Storied History
This historic Wichita theatre was once the heartbeat of the McAdams neighborhood. The key difference is that it wasn’t necessarily the only place where African Americans could go see film, it was just the only place where they weren’t segregated. At 1007 N. Cleveland Street, it anchored a commercial corner in the neighborhood — a gathering place that everyone could call home.
Behind the Curtain
The Dunbar Theatre was built in 1941 from plans created by architect Raymond M. Harmon. It was named for African-American poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar, who was known as the “poet of his people.” It operated as a theatre until 1963.
The old movie house has since sat empty, deteriorating much the way the surrounding neighborhood has declined. It has been saved from the wrecking ball more than once. But gone are the drug store, ice cream shop, hair salons, cafés, and many of the nearby houses that were once some of the finest owned by African-Americans in the city.
Historical Highlights
Revival
In 2003, the City of Wichita commissioned the McAdams Neighborhood Revitalization Plan to help breathe life back into the neighborhood. In 2006, a feasibility study was conducted regarding redeveloping the historic Wichita theatre.
In 2007, Power CDC acquired the theater and engaged LK Architects to lead the restoration design. The goal is to restore the theater to its former glory, creating an arts center dedicated to African-American heritage.
What is Power CDC?
Power Community Development Corporation (Power CDC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to revive the inner city. It has been charged with the restoration of the existing theatre, and to provide training in the performing and visual arts.
Leading the Effort
Restoring the theatre and neighborhood is now a community effort, with many stakeholders. Overseeing the efforts of the Dunbar Theatre Project Advisory Board Members is the Board of Directors of the Power CDC.
