News that Bed-Stuy's historic Slave Theater was headed for the auction block prompted two theater professionals to form the non-profit New Brooklyn Theater and take to Kickstarter to try to raise $200,000 to buy the building. Brownstoner notes that the individuals have no apparent ties to Slave Theater, but they plan to restore the building and keep it as a performing arts venue for Brooklyn artists. They estimate the $200K to be enough for the downpayment, and they think the full renovation should cost between $3.5 and $5 million. "We are deliberately foregoing other more traditional development formulas that would require unnecessary and costly plans," they write. "Instead we turn to you to help spark Brooklyn interest in the restoration of this landmark space." So far, 62 backers have pledged more than $15,000.
· Nonprofit Turns to Kickstarter to Buy Slave Theater [Brownstoner]
· New Brooklyn Theater [Kickstarter]
· Slave Theater coverage [Curbed]
Filed under: