Celebrating the Renovations to the Thelma DeWitty Theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
Nestled in the heart of West Seattle, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center has long been a symbol of community, culture, and creativity. With its recent renovations, this historic building owned by Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) is poised to offer even more to the residents of Delridge and beyond.
The story of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is deeply rooted in the rich history of the Delridge neighborhood. The recent renovations to our Thelma DeWitty Theater mark an exciting new chapter and position Youngstown to meet the needs of the community. The upgrades include:
- Upgraded Theater Seats: Comfortable and modern retractable seating to enhance the audience experience.
- Black Box Theater: The former stage was leveled to create a versatile black box theater with a modular stage, allowing for various configurations and performances.
- Enhanced ADA Compliance: Improved accessibility to ensure all community members enjoy the facilities.
- Higher Quality Lighting and Sound System: State-of-the-art technology to support a wide range of events and performances.
With these enhancements, the theater is now open for event rentals, providing a modern and welcoming space for performances, workshops, receptions, weddings, and community gatherings.
This revitalized space will allow Youngstown Cultural Arts Center to continue to serve as an integral part of the Delridge community as we reinvigorate the space’s creativity and cultural expression for generations to come. The renovations also reflect our commitment to preserving the rich history of the building and its significance in the neighborhood.
Over 100 years ago, the area that is now North Delridge was farmland, cultivated by John Longfellow in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, the landscape began to change with the opening of the Seattle Steel Company in 1905. This steel plant, now known as NUCOR, initially employed 140 workers, drawing people from around the world.
After the steel mill’s establishment, the settlement was renamed Youngstown in honor of the steel town in Ohio. As families moved in, the need for a school became apparent. In 1906, the steel mill provided a room as a school, accommodating 70 children on its first day. By 1907, Youngstown was annexed to Seattle, and a brick school building was constructed in 1917 to serve the growing population.
The mid-1900s saw further developments, with the Youngstown School being renamed the Cooper School in 1939, after Frank B. Cooper, a progressive Superintendent of Seattle Schools. In 1947, the school made history by hiring Thelma DeWitty, the first Black teacher employed by Seattle Public Schools.
One thing that will not change during the theater’s renovation is its name. Our renovated facility will continue to honor Thelma DeWitty. Her legacy is a cornerstone of Youngstown’s commitment to education and empowerment. Her pioneering spirit inspires the community and underscores our dedication to inclusivity and progress.
Whether you’re a longtime resident of West Seattle or a newcomer, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center invites you to be a part of our vibrant future. Explore the new facilities, attend an event, or consider renting the theater for your next performance or gathering. We’re here to help answer any questions or provide ideas for any type of gathering you can dream up! For more information regarding rentals, please contact our team here. We welcome you to check out our events calendar for exciting upcoming public events for you to attend!
-Written by DNDA Communications Team