A handful of short-term and potential long-term locations are under consideration for Davenport Junior Theatre as the City plans to move the program out of its current location on the Annie Wittenmyer campus.
In the short-term, the City is looking to find a place that could house DJT programming immediately and be suitable for a number of years while the long-term solution is developed and built out. The City is also open to selecting a location that meets both needs.
The former Younkers space in NorthPark Mall was evaluated as a short-term solution, but it was determined that it was not a move-in ready space. The required work included zoning changes, code updates and other renovations, totaling more than $12 million.
City staff visited more than ten potential locations to see if they’d meet DJT’s immediate needs. The ideal facility is in a safe location with ample parking and easy drop-off for parents. The space needs to house classrooms for programming, offices for administration, and room for costume and prop storage. Long term, the location needs to the ability to include a performance space. For now, productions will remain at the Mary Fluhrer-Nighswander Theatre.
City staff has consulted with architects to help evaluate the options and contribute to the cost and use analysis for the Davenport City Council to consider. Decisions on the short-term location are expected to be made by the end of November.
“Our goal is to minimize disruption to the program in the short-term and ensure continuity for supporters, parents, and participants,” said Nicole Gleason, Interim City Administrator. “We’re on a tight timeline, but staff and the City Council value the Junior Theatre program and are putting an emphasis on making sure there is a place to land.”
Sign-up for Davenport Junior Theatre’s winter programming is underway. Click here to learn more and register for classes beginning January 4, 2025.