Hippodrome Theatre

"The Hippodrome Theater is located in Jackson Ward, Richmond’s cultural nexus for African Americans in the 1920s and ‘30s. In its heyday, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole performed here. The theater is currently undergoing a more than $3 million renovation to recreate a 1930s-style theater with regularly scheduled R&B performances." per Richmondva.org

Other articles state that this area was known as the "Harlem of the South", no doubt a reference to the quality musical talent that it attracted.

Still listed in the Richmond Yellow Pages under "Theatres-Live" with a telephone number of 804-648-9371.

This is a recent photo of the Hippodrome Theater.

There is an article in today's Richmond Times-Dispatch (May 15, 2008) about plans to turn the Hippodrome, and the former Elks Club next door, into a night club--possibly under the BB King Blues Club marquee.

Here is the online version of that article.

The print version of the paper also contained a vintage photo of the theater in its heyday (with triangular marquee), as well as the contemporary shot. I hope these plans for a club work out--The National (also in Richmond) has turned out to be a fine nightclub, with a ballroom in the former orchestra section and balcony seating still intact.

I stopped by to have a look at the Hippodrome back in June ('08), when I happened to be in Richmond for the evening. The illustrations in the display cases of what the theater will look like when the restoration is completed (if they can pull together the financing) are very impressive. The plan is to remove the orchestra seats and replace them with tables and booths rising towards the back, and a dance floor down by the stage--like the old Cotton Club. I hope that those of you who live in the neighborhood will keep us advised as to how restoration is developing in the coming months. Jackson Ward could certainly use the economic boost that restoration of this lovely old theater would assist in bringing for the neighborhood.

1987 photo of the Hippodrome Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c46%2c3%2c-1&catpagesize=10&ProductID=34859

Here is another 1987 photo.

This is a 2009 photo.

Here is your new information form the Local new of Richmond VA.
The long-awaited revival of the Hippodrome Theater in Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood could begin soon, with a $600,000 boost from Richmond taxpayers.

The historic theater and adjoining Taylor Mansion on North Second Street—once the center of African-American nightlife and entertainment in segregated Rich mond—would open by April 2011 as a live-music venue and theater known as The Hipp, according to a proposal submitted to the City Council.

The $12 million restoration project has been approved by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and would also provide residential and retail space, a restaurant and audio-video production facilities.

Though it was not clear last week who would operate the venue, Mayor Dwight C. Jones has proposed a development agreement that would provide $600,000 over two years to the property owner and developer, Hippodrome-Taylor Mansion LLC.

Jackson Ward developer Ronald Stallings, with Hippodrome-Taylor Mansion, did not respond to several messages. City administration officials also would not discuss the project, but Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Peter H. Chapman emphasized its importance in a memo to council members.

“The Jackson Ward community is rich in African-American history and material culture and is strategically located as an economic gateway in downtown Richmond,“ he said. “The Hippodrome Theater is a significant icon in that African-American cultural and economic heritage.“

City officials have been talking with Stallings for years about reviving the Hippodrome, which was built in 1904 and rebuilt after a fire in 1945. James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and other black entertainers graced the stage during the theater’s heyday in segregated Richmond.

The Taylor Mansion was designed by architect John Lankford and built in 1907 for the Rev. W.L. Taylor, a leader of the United Order of True Reformers. The home was credited at the time with being the largest home of a black American in the United States, and it later became an Elks lodge.

In 2004, the council committed $800,000 to a plan that called for converting the theater and Taylor Mansion into a live-music venue and production facility similar to the Apollo Theater in New York’s Harlem. That deal never materialized, but last year the council set aside $300,000 in fiscal 2009-10 and $300,000 in fiscal 2010-11 for the Hippodrome project, described at the time as a blues club similar to ones named after guitarist B.B. King.

Councilman Charles R. Samuels, whose 2nd District includes part of Jackson Ward, said he’s unfamiliar with the current plan but is tentatively supportive. “It really could serve as a base or anchor for pulling development from Broad” Street.

The proposed agreement calls for the city grant to be released in installments through 2010 as the project meets construction milestones. A certificate of occupancy would be required by March 30, 2011. The city would be entitled to a reimbursement if the project isn’t finished by Sept. 1, 2011.

In addition to the city funding, the project would be financed with $2.8 million in state and federal tax credits, $4.7 million from investors and $3.8 million in debt financing, according to Chapman’s memo.

The project is expected to generate 42 full-time and 40 part-time jobs, and $300,000 annually in real estate and business taxes once it’s fully operating. The council could vote on the agreement as early as Nov. 23. It’s requested for the council’s consent agenda, meaning it could be approved with little or no discussion.

A smart move,for sure.GET 'ER DONE