For much of the early to mid-1900’s, the King Lincoln district in Columbus was home to anything and everything Black for central Ohioans. All of the key businesses, arts, and entertainment was centered on a swatch of near east Columbus, bounded on the north by Atcheson Street, Broad Street to the south, 20th Street to the east, and downtown to the west. In 2001, Mayor Coleman officially kicked off the King Lincoln revitalization effort. Over the next few years, the work put into bringing the love back to this area was coalesced into a plan with an empowerment zone designation, financial assistance for retailers, and a commitment to reopen the historic Lincoln Theatre.

Don’t Call It A Comeback

After its stage last showcased a performing artist, the Lincoln Theatre has hosted a number of businesses and organizations. But with the King-Lincoln redevelopment plan kicking in, the theatre is being restored to serve its original purpose: a centralized location in the Black community to host artistic, musical, theatrical, and cultural performances. Chaired by Larry James, the Lincoln Theatre Association is leading the charge in restoring the building to its former glory. And with the restoration, the good news keeps coming. In addition to scheduling concerts at the Lincoln, the Columbus Jazz Arts Group will house their Jazz Academy on the third floor. And beginning in 2009, Maurice Hines, brother of Gregory Hines, will sign on as Artistic Director. Maurice has had a stellar career in his own right and promises to bring it to central Ohio.

Check out this great video showcasing what’s to come

Big ups to Carl McKinney where I found the link to the video!