Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center Renovation

This week I had the privilege of touring the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center building on 17^th and Yesler Ave.  As many of you know, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center facility is currently undergoing a major renovation and will not be completed until early next year.  The building itself was a renown synagogue in the Central Area of Seattle until it was purchased in 1959 as a cultural arts center by the Model Cities Program.  

Walt Hundley

In 1973, Walt Hundley, Superintendent of Parks, brought the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center under the umbrella of the Parks Department for its continued use as a cultural arts center. 

It is an awe inspiring structure that has not only kept its physical integrity, its historical significance continues to symbolize the long relationship between two cultures sharing and embracing their artistic Diasporas.  This long time embracing of the Art of the African Diaspora in Seattle by the Seattle Jewish community is still very strong today.  The reverence and respect to Jewish culture by the City and the Langston Hughes leadership is a welcome change to the usual lack of knowledge and the lack respect for a community’s history and culture by many renovation projects in today’s society.