Synetic Theater's Lease Extended, Despite Amazon Moving Into the Building

Just a few months ago, Synetic Theater was preparing to lose its home, due to Amazon's HQ2 moving into town. It was previously reported by DCist that the theater's lease would not be renewed at 1800 South Bell Street, one of three buildings chosen to be used for Amazon's HQ2.

Now, however, the developer has announced that the company's lease will be extended, allowing them to keep the space through late 2022.

"It's exciting to be in the same building as Amazon," says co-founder and artistic director Paata Tsikurishvili. "I hope it turns into a long-term relationship or partnership."

The community stepped up to support the theater. The Crystal City BID and Arlington County, namely, encouraged other stakeholders to reconsider kicking them out.

"A thriving arts scene is a vital component of any successful mixed-use community," Andrew VanHorn, executive vice president of landlord JBG Smith, said in the press release. "Synetic Theater has been one of National Landing's leading cultural organizations for nearly a decade, and this agreement ensures that the theater's work will continue to enrich and inspire the community for years to come."

Tsikurishvili says that this is not a permanent solution, and he hopes the company will be included in Amazon's development plan moving forward. In the meantime, he's hoping Amazon employees will come check out Synetic's shows.

"We are, literally, in the same building," he says. "So, I'll just go knock on the door and invite them myself."

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