Ballard Spahr Pro Bono Team Advises Quintessence Theatre Group on Sedgwick Theater Acquisition

With pro bono counsel from Ballard Spahr real estate attorneys, the board of directors of Quintessence Theatre Group has purchased the historic Sedgwick Theater in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy neighborhood, the group’s rented home for the past 14 years.

“It has been our long-held dream to make the Sedgwick our permanent home, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support, financial and otherwise, that we have received from the community,” Quintessence Board Chair Patricia Stranahan said in the group’s recent announcement of the $2.3 million acquisition.

Ballard Spahr represented Quintessence in negotiating the group’s lease of the Sedgwick years ago, including an option to purchase a portion of the building. When Quintessence exercised the option, Real Estate Department Partners Sara A. McCormick and Ashley E. DeLuca represented Quintessence in all aspects of the purchase transaction, including complex negotiations and a division of the property so that Quintessence could purchase a portion.

Now that it owns the Sedgwick, Quintessence plans extensive renovations to the theater using $1.75 million it was awarded from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).

The Sedgwick’s rich history dates back to 1928, when the building, designed by prolific theater architect William Harold Lee, opened as an Art Deco movie palace. Over the past 14 years, Quintessence has produced epic, award-winning classic theater at the Sedgwick, while continually investing in upgrades and improvements. The style of the Art Deco structure survives with intact original architectural arches, hand-painted plaster work, glass chandeliers, and relief ceilings.

Through the firm’s nationally recognized pro bono program, Ballard Spahr lawyers contribute more than 50,000 hours annually to pro bono service to benefit our communities, including to help local arts and cultural groups advance their missions.

For media inquiries, please contact Bill Shralow at 215.864.8195.