Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has signed a resolution designating a Downtown Historic Theatre District.
The resolution, unanimously approved by the Seattle City Council, supports the preservation, promotion and maintenance of five historic venues: The 5thAvenue Theatre, The Paramount Theatre, The Moore Theatre, ACT – A Contemporary Theatre and Town Hall Seattle.
At the signing ceremony, Mayor McGinn said the city was highlighting one of the things that makes Seattle special:
“The creation of this district will recognize, protect and build upon the collective contribution of these theaters to our economy and our cultural identity.”
The five theaters staged more than 1,000 performances in 2010, resulting in 2,000 jobs and more than $15 million in labor income. 25 percent of the audiences come from outside of King County.
To qualify for inclusion in the district, theaters must have been built before 1930, be located downtown, present live performances and operate as nonprofits.
