CAMPAIGN FOR THE SEDGWICK

Originally built in 1928 and designed by architect William Harold Lee as a 1,600-seat movie palace complete with a built-in pipe organ and orchestra pit, the Sedgwick has undergone several transformations throughout its history.

We are honored to steward the restoration of this Art Deco masterpiece. Over the next decade, this multi-phase construction project will see the Sedgwick renewed as one of Philadelphia's great cultural destinations.

The renovation and expansion will occur in three critical phases, beginning Summer 2026:

    • Restore the facade.

    • Recreate the original marquee and add a new “Quintessence” blade

    • Upgrade the building’s power system, adding a new transformer

    • Add secondary public access to the theaterext goes here

    • Repair the building envelope and roof

    • Expand performance space, increasing seating from 150 to 180 and adding a trap room

    • Modernize dressing rooms to actors’ union standards

    • Create permanent seating expansion to 299

    • Upgrade lighting, sound, and rigging technology within the theater

    • Develop a black box/community screening space and dedicated education studio

    • Renovate the Grand Hall for event rentals

    • Install two elevators (passenger and freight), providing accessibility to all floors of the building for the first time

    • Add additional rehearsal/studio spaces for artists and community groups

    • Construct executive offices and a conference room

    • Convert retail space into a bar/restaurant with a catering kitchen

Phase I has just begun, which includes restoring the building’s ornate façade and exterior, replacing the current letter boards with LED screens, installing a recreation of the original Sedgwick marquee, and adding a new “Quintessence” branded blade sign.

This fall, Quintessence will also replace the Sedgwick's original transformer and electrical systems, upgrading the building to three-phase power. This upgrade will support our new HVAC system and future elevators.


The Time is Now!

As we take this next step towards The Sedgwick’s restoration, and in turn the growth of arts and culture in Mt Airy and beyond, right now is an amazing time to support the development of this project.


DONATE

Learn more about this project, and how you can be a part of history by emailing Victoria Sicks, Campaign Director at victoria@quintessencetheatre.org