Source Theatre located at 1835 14th Street, NW via CulturalDC
From CulturalDC:
“By now, you have likely learned that on August 5, 2025, CulturalDC completed the sale of Source to a qualified buyer for $4.5 million. The building, which had been on the market since October 2024, was sold after a competitive and proactive process in which the Board of Directors tirelessly solicited and prioritized bids from nonprofit organizations with the goal of sustaining the space for DC’s arts and cultural community.
Once news of the sale became public, unfortunately, we started to see false and biased reporting, as well as conversations and criticisms expressed on online platforms that cannot be categorized as anything less than vitriol and bullying. Over recent days, the spread of misinformation and actions taken against our organization have become too egregious for leadership to leave unaddressed.
In particular, the Washington City Paper published an unfounded and editorialized article regarding the sale of Source – without conducting due diligence, in terms of fact-checking or allowing CulturalDC to speak to the various erroneous accusations. Following a request for corrections, the City Paper has made only minor edits, allowing factual errors; and misleading statements to persist. The very vocal parties serving as unreliable sources with the press – and across social media channels – continue to perpetuate a distorted narrative.
For accuracy, the Board believes it is prudent to clarify the sequence of events leading up to the sale of Source:
· May 2024 – CulturalDC began conversations with Constellation Theatre Company, our tenant of 18 years, about the possibility of purchasing Source.
· October 2024 – Constellation made its first offer. At this stage, our broker requested standard documentation: proof of funding, a financial plan, or other evidence that could demonstrate Constellation’s ability to complete the purchase. (Providing proof of funds is a routine and standard part of any property sale.)
· October 2024–March 2025 – Negotiations with Constellation continued. Throughout this time, the requested documentation was never provided.
After Theatre Washington interfered with negotiations in the late fall, and following Constellation’s participation in the “Save Our Source” campaign, the relationship between CulturalDC and Constellation became strained. In late February, our broker informed Constellation’s broker that a meeting between executives would not be productive but emphasized that he was standing by to review the standard documentation required in any property sale, such as proof of funding or a financial plan—that would give the Board confidence in Constellation’s ability to complete the purchase. Again, nothing was provided.
While it is true that the building ultimately sold for $4.5 million—$400,000 above Constellation’s April offer—though, it is important to note the distinct difference between making a business offer and being considered a qualified buyer with verified capacity to close. Throughout the process of negotiations, CulturalDC remained committed to ensuring Source continue to serve as an arts venue and was even prepared to accept one of Constellation’s lower offers had they provided proof of funds. The Board worked hard to balance our deep commitment to the DC arts community with our fiduciary responsibility to the organization.
Moreover, during negotiations with Constellation, we included language in the Letter of Intent to guarantee Source remained an arts space in perpetuity. Although the building is located within the 14th Street Arts Overlay District, there are no laws or legal protections that require the property to remain an arts space. For this reason, we felt it was important to include such a clause. We also added stipulations around future sales pricing in the event Constellation chose to sell, all while offering the building to them at a discounted price. These provisions directly reflected what the theater community was asking of CulturalDC. However, Constellation requested that this clause be redlined from the agreement and coupled with their inability to provide the standard documentation of funds, negotiations stalled further.
Through our strategic partnerships, we strove to secure a path forward that would preserve Source as a space dedicated to the arts. We lobbied support from DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, DMPED, Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, as well as other DC civic leaders and stakeholders. At the same time, during this budget cycle the Mayor and Council had already secured earmarked funds for the Lincoln Theatre, the Howard Theatre, and the acquisition of the National Theatre by the DC Government, as well as to provide general operating support for Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and GALA Hispanic Theatre. In that environment, attention and resources were focused elsewhere. Even so, we fought hard every step of the way, and what remains clear is how deeply we value the role of the arts in our city.
For more than 25 years, CulturalDC and Source have played a vital role in Washington’s arts and culture scene—serving as a creative home for countless artists and organizations, incubating numerous groups, and providing discounted (and, in some cases, free) space to the theater and arts community.
In this moment, when the arts face real threats, we will not be pulled into unproductive disputes. Our priority is the bigger picture—strengthening and uniting our creative community.
Arts organizations across our city are shuttering, and following the sale of Source, we too are at a crossroads due to significant funding losses. In the coming days, our Board will be examining how, or if, our organization is able to move forward.
This is no time for division. This is a time to stand together in support of the arts and of one another.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We truly appreciate you.
In solidarity,
CulturalDC Board of Directors”
Theatre Washington posted on Facebook:
“We are dismayed by the news that Source Theatre has been sold by CulturalDC to an affiliated corporation of restaurateurs Geoff Dawson and Curt Large, owners of Buffalo Billiards, Iron Horse, Rocket Bar, Roofers Union, and Franklin Hall. After an initial list price of $5.8 million, it had a final sales price of $4.5 million. The intended offer of $4.1 million by Constellation Theatre made in April 2025 was less than 10% away from the final purchase price.
The purchasers are affiliated with Bedrock Management, who attempted to purchase the same building in 2006 when CulturalDC stepped in to raise awareness and financial support from the DC City Council, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the DMV theatre community to “Save the Source.” Now, 19 years later, that same cultural institution will no longer be an essential, vibrant performing arts hub.
Constellation Theatre, who produced epic shows for 18 seasons at the Source and faithfully paid their rent, is without a permanent home. Their dream to own the Source and continue the tradition of leading a collaborative space for many arts organizations is not going to happen.
Thank you to the over 1,500 supporters who signed our open letter to CulturalDC at the end of 2024. We are heartbroken at the loss of this important beloved, nearly 50 year-old institution that served our city and our creative community.
Amy Austin
President & CEO
Theatre Washington
Jason Loewith
Chair, Board of Directors
Theatre Washington”