Wichita’s historic Dunbar Theatre gets $50,000 from Walmart for renovation project

The ongoing restoration of the historic Dunbar Theatre in Wichita is getting a financial boost from Walmart.

Walmart will present a $50,000 check to the Power Community Development Corporation on Wednesday to support the Dunbar Theatre restoration. The ceremony is expected to include Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple, Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers, state Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Power CDC board members and Walmart executives.

“The donation is part of Walmart’s commitment to investing and supporting the communities it serves, through local giving, volunteerism and programs that strengthen community cohesion,” a news release said.

The Dunbar Theatre at 1007 N. Cleveland is in the McAdams neighborhood in north Wichita. For years, it was the only movie theater serving Black Wichitans without segregating them, according to the theater’s website.

It was built in 1941 but closed in 1963. It was vacant for decades before it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. The facade, marquee and blade sign have since been restored and it is expected to reopen in 2021.

Renovation work has continued during the coronavirus pandemic. In April, a new concrete floor was poured.

The redevelopment of the Dunbar is intended to be part of a revitalization of the McAdams neighborhood. The theater will serve as a visual and performing-arts center and host meetings, receptions, youth activities and civic events.

A fundraiser is also scheduled for Saturday, featuring hot dogs and hot links at a “touch free” lunch outside the theater from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 3:17 PM.