The historic facade of the former Flower Theatre in Long Branch lit up the sky Saturday night following a $400,00 project that included replacement of the iconic neon sign that adorns the top of the theater, relighting of the marquee and restoration of the ticket booth.
While the building won’t be showing movies again, the community hopes one day it will become home to offices and other commercial projects. Currently, a church is using the building.
MHP, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, led the way for this project.
“We are excited to see these aesthetic enhancements come to fruition at Flower Theatre” said Chris Gillis, director of policy & neighborhood development for MHP. “We hope this project will bring attention to the Long Branch community’s rich cultural history and diverse business offerings, in addition to the theater building’s investment potential.”
The restoration project was activated in 2021 when it was awarded a Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) grant of $75,000.
The project was made possible thanks to the financial support of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Montgomery County Department of Housing & Community Affairs, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Cafritz Foundation and MHP.
Donohoe served as general contractor for the project.
Great evening lighting up the Flower Theater! so many people to thank for making this happen. Topping the list @ameebearne. This is community in action! @MHPartners @Longbranch_MD pic.twitter.com/hwaFEkVPYt
— Councilmember Kate Stewart (she/her) (@cmkatestewart) February 4, 2024
The relighting of the Flower Avenue Theater was amazing! And special thanks to @justupthepike's Dan Reed for the work they did over a decade ago to make this happen. pic.twitter.com/8dwI5VTOMB
— Eric Saul (@ericsaul22) February 4, 2024
