For Immediate Release: Monday, April 20, 1998
Montgomery County and the American Film Institute (AFI) have signed a formal agreement that will bring the national arts organization's heralded exhibition program to Silver Spring, where it will occupy and operate the historic Silver Theater. Under the agreement, AFI will develop a program at the restored theater that will include classic films, festivals and special events and presentations. The organization will also develop an educational component of its program, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College.
"I am very pleased with this agreement and delighted that AFI will be coming to the Silver Theater," said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "AFI will bring us the best in entertainment and culture, and will play a vital role in the redevelopment of the downtown Silver Spring area."
"AFI is very pleased to join with Montgomery County to begin the work of bringing the historic Silver Theater back to life," said Jean Picker Firstenberg, AFI Director and CEO. "A revitalized Silver Theater is good for everyone who cares about the movies and about preserving this nation's great film heritage, but most of all it's something special for the people of Silver Spring. AFI is excited to work with the community, particularly the public school system and Montgomery College, to design entertaining and educational film programs which create an exhibition center that is renowned nationally and internationally."
AFI was one of four respondents to a Request for Expressions of Interest that was issued last fall, when the County solicited interested parties to make proposals for the renovation and operation of the theater facility. AFI was selected as the preferred respondent in the selection process.
Under the agreement with AFI, Montgomery County will spend up to $7.8 million to restore the 400-seat Silver Theater and develop an adjacent facility that will include a second 200-seat theater, a small screening room, state of the art audio visual equipment, offices, a conference room/library, and concession and retail space. The restored theater and completed facility will be leased to AFI for the nominal sum of $10 per year for a ten-year period. Either party may terminate the initial ten-year lease at anytime after the fifth year, provided they give one year's prior written notice. The agreement includes a provision for nine ten-year renewals.
Montgomery County may also incorporate classroom space into the facility to support educational activities, and is considering a performing theater-school complex for the local Round House Theater, as well as a black-box theater.
Restoration of the theater and the adjoining historic Silver Spring Shopping Center at Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road are an integral part of the overall plans for redevelopment, which include the retail, civic and entertainment complex proposed by local developers Foulger-Pratt and the Peterson Companies.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, AFI is the nation's preeminent arts organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of the moving image. AFI's programs promote innovation and excellence through teaching, presenting, preserving and redefining the moving image. More information about AFI can be found by visiting its award-winning website located at .
Release ID: 98-116
Media Contact: Seth Oster 213-856-7667, David Weaver 301-217-6530