The Town of Ashland gratefully acknowledges a gift of property from Jean and A.D. Whittaker of Hanover County. Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker have graciously donated the Ashland Theater to the town. This historic theater, at 203 England Street, is one of Ashland’s most cherished landmarks. The Ashland Town Council will vote on Tuesday, October 1st to accept this gift.
At this time no details are available as to the restoration and redevelopment of this building, however town officials and community partners are hopeful that this building will be restored to a thriving entertainment venue. The town will attempt to secure a combination of grant funding and private investment for this project.
The Ashland Theater is in the heart of Ashland’s historic downtown district, which also shares boundaries with Ashland’s Arts and Cultural District. This area of town has received considerable attention when, in June of 2013, Governor McDonnell designated Ashland as a Virginia Main Street community. This donation of the Ashland Theater, along with local and state programs, will further Ashland’s redevelopment and revitalization efforts.