Behind the scenes of renovations at the historic Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
Photo of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
In October, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) began heavily anticipated renovations on our home at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, located in Delridge, Seattle.
The construction follows an architectural needs assessment of the 100-year-old building. The major projects include upgrading the kitchen for commercial use, replacing part of the roof and HVAC units, restoring settling slab, and modernizing our historic Thelma Dewitty Theater. DNDA has been raising funds for this work since 2015.
“I am so proud of our team for making this project come to life,” said David Bestock, DNDA’s capital campaign director and former longtime executive director.
Digital architectural model of a renovated Thelma Dewitty Theater. Assessment, model, and image by ORA Architects.
Youngstown is an inclusive community hub that incubates arts, artists, and organizations from our multicultural and intergenerational community. The building helps unite local residents and visitors from across the region to engage in civic dialogue and collaborative community transformation. Youngstown — formerly Cooper Elementary School — serves more than 20,000 individuals each year and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Roof workers started repairing and replacing the south roof, and a construction team began demolition in the kitchen and theater as renovations kick into gear.
The work is expected to wrap up in spring 2024. The many art and dance classes held at Youngstown will remain open to our community amid construction, and we can’t wait to reveal the improved Youngstown to all of West Seattle next year.
But even with these major renovations underway, our work is not finished. There are needed renovations on the horizon that require additional fundraising for DNDA to execute, including repairs to Youngstown’s historic windows and doors. You can support these renovations and other community projects by donating to DNDA’s Crossroads Campaign.
The campaign is an ongoing effort to raise support for foundational projects, including the renovations to Youngstown, as well as completing the Delridge Wetland Park project and bolstering DNDA’s affordable housing opportunities for local residents. The $6 million campaign is vital for us to make critical investments in Youngstown and Delridge Wetland Park that will last for years to come.
Learn more and donate to the Crossroads Campaign at dnda.org/crossroads-campaign.
Thank you to DNDA’s partners helping us renovate Youngstown, including ORA Architects, Knox Services, Buchanan Construction, Stanley Roofing, Walsh Construction, and more. And much appreciation to our project funders, including the State of Washington, City of Seattle, King County, Washington Women’s Foundation, Norcliffe Foundation, McEachern Foundation, Nesholm Foundation, local individuals, corporate donors, and many more!
— Written by DNDA’s Capital Campaign Director David Bestock