Uptown theater sign saved; AMC decides against its removal

“I urge AMC to engage with the community going forward regarding any proposed alterations to the facade and signage,” said Emma Hersh, advisory neighborhood commissioner for ANC 3C05. (WTOP/Kristi King)
The Cleveland Park Advisory Neighborhood Commission had planned to pass a resolution opposing the application request to remove the theater’s historic sign. (WTOP/Kristi King)
Image of the historic Uptown Theater’s opening night in Cleveland Park in 1936. (Courtesy Cleveland Park Historical Society)
(1/3)

WASHINGTON — AMC Theatres might not have realized what it was getting into when it sought permission to remove the historic Uptown Theater sign in Northwest D.C. — a proposal it withdrew on Monday.

“In response to community feedback, AMC will maintain the Uptown signage, with an upgrade to LED lighting for better energy efficiency and to ensure the sign remains in good working order,” said Ryan Noonan, AMC Theatres’ director of corporate communications, in an email.

Emma Hersh, commissioner for ANC 3C05, said she’s thrilled the community’s voices were heard.

“I urge AMC to engage with the community going forward regarding any proposed alterations to the facade and signage,” she said.

But changes could still be proposed for the historic theater.

Noonan said AMC continues to consider additional exterior signage and how the AMC brand might be added to the theater.

The president of the Cleveland Park Historical Society, Carin Ruff, said her group is thrilled AMC changed its mind about taking down the historic sign.

“We look forward to consulting with AMC about any branding efforts they wish to employ at street level of the facade, and we welcome their plan to upgrade the lighting of the historic sign,” Ruff said.

Any changes to the historic Uptown Theater would have to be approved by the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up