The Next Stage Campaign was launched as a vehicle to realize Arena’s long-term vision for a new home. There have been a number of milestones along the way, preceding the quiet phase of the Campaign and up to our historic public announcement this December.

Arena Stage considers relocating to Seventh Street, NW, but after discussions with Mayor Anthony Williams and the City Council, decides to stay in Southwest as a crucial part of the Southwest Waterfront revitalization.

June: Arena Stage reviews 60 architects as candidates to design the new complex and selects Bing Thom Architects of Vancouver, Canada.
July: Arena Stage completes its fundraising feasibility study.

Arena Stage completes its engineering study.

July: The design of Arena’s new theater campus by Bing Thom Architects is approved by both the Historic Preservation Review Board and the Fine Arts Commission.
September: Arena Stage receives the Mayor’s Agent Approval for Exemplary Architecture.
October: Arena Stage begins the quiet phase of its fundraising campaign.

January: Arena Stage selects a Trustee Steering Committee led by John Derrick to serve as its campaign leadership.
June: Arena Stage receives approval of zoning variances by the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.
October: Bing Thom Architects’ final design is approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustments.

Arena Stage files for the needed permits for the renovation project.

Bing Thom Architects completes construction drawings.

December: Arena Stage publicly launches The Next Stage Campaign and begins the bid process for the construction contract.

May: Clark Construction chosen for the construction contract.
October: Arena Stage Board of Trustees votes to commence construction, and announces plans to break ground in January of 2008.
December: Performances begin at Arena Stage in Crystal City, 1800 S. Bell St., Virginia, one of the temporary theater spaces Arena will use during the two-year construction in Southwest, D.C.

January: Arena Stage breaks ground on its historic Southwest, D.C. theater complex
September: Performances begin at the historic Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St., NW, Washington, DC 2009, the second temporary space to be used during expansion.

Fall: The Arena Stage Mead Center for American Theater opens for the 2010/2011 season.