Dad's Garage Theatre Nominated for Urban Land Institute Award

Our little chucklehut just received some major acclaim! The Urban Land Institute (ULI), an international organization dedicated to championing cutting-edge and sustainable development, nominated Dad's Garage Theatre for their 2016 Atlanta awards. The nomination is for the transformation of a former-church into the "Forever Home" for Atlanta's most popular improv theatre. Dad's Garage purchased the property at 569 Ezzard in January 2015, following a Kickstarter campaign that brought in more than $150,000. That campaign was the most successful Live Theatre fundraiser in Kickstarter history, and received contributions from across the world.

Following the purchase of the property, Pimsler Hoss Architects led the redesign of the church into a theatre during Summer 2015. The new performance space (formerly the sanctuary) now seats more than 200, features a professional lighting and sound grid, and has a backstage dressing room for performers. The downstairs of the old church, which previously held daycare facilities and office space, was converted as well. This area features the newly-designed lobby, hangout space with full bar, and "The Bottom Shelf" - the stage for smaller performances. The new downstairs space also holds administrative offices for Dad's Garage, green room, and a rehearsal hall for performers. The "House of Dad's" opened to the public officially on New Year's Eve 2015/2016 with sold-out performances.

Dad's Garage is honored to be included amongst other finalists including Ponce City Market, Abernathy Greenway, Waterhub at Emory, Porsche Experience Center, Square on Fifth, and The Office apartments.

Winners will be announced September 15 at an awards banquet at the Atlanta History Center. Cross your fingers, toes, and eyes for Dad's Garage to win!

About the Urban Land Institute:
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has more than 38,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.

About Dad's Garage Theatre Company:

Founded in 1995, Dad's Garage Theatre Company has grown from a small volunteer led organization to a thriving mid-size theatre led by professional artistic and administrative staff that includes over 300 volunteers and performers. We now entertain more than 33,000 people each year in Atlanta, at public events across the state, and at improv festivals across the continent. In addition to outrageous original productions, Dad's Garage produces improv shows year-round, educates young improvisers in a high school outreach program, and facilitates classes and workshops for the general public.