A groundbreaking has been set for early September at the historic Howard Theatre. (Photo: TBD Staff)

Sunday was the 100th anniversary of the historic Howard Theatre, and supporters came out in droves to celebrate. But despite a planned $28 million restoration of the D.C. landmark now years in the making, the party had to take place elsewhere. Live jazz and blues performances marked the occasion at the Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square, home of the Historical Society of Washington.

D.C.-based Ellis Development Group had once hoped to be done or at least nearly done with its ambitious plans to revive the Howard by this week, but delays related to financing, a lawsuit, and ethics concerns within the project's board of directors deferred that dream.

On Sunday though, with an early September groundbreaking ceremony just around the corner, nearly everyone involved in the project wore their optimism on their sleeves. It was a boisterous celebration of the history of the theater, once the premiere African American live music venue in the country. As performances by the likes of Bobby Parker, Al Johnson, Jimi Smooth, and Sandra Johnson filled the room, developer Chip Ellis was all smiles.

"We're very confident that the financing will all be in place," Ellis says. "It would have been great to have broken ground today, but you know, as long as we get it done."

Between $8 million in grant money and a tax increment financing deal worth another $4 million or so — both courtesy the District of Columbia government — Ellis say he's confident enough to push forward. He says he's already scheduled contractors at Whiting-Turner to begin clearing and prep work next month, and expects to have the remaining funds he needs in place shortly.   

Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham (D) was the first to admit that the LeDroit Park and Shaw communities have been treated to overly optimistic plans for the Howard for at least a decade. "I know you've heard this once before, but the Howard Theatre is coming," he told the crowd during brief remarks.

Graham later recalled attending a previous groundbreaking at the Howard that took place as far back as 2000. "It was clear that there was no 'there' there," says Graham. Today, though, Graham is "totally optimistic." "We've done everything we can," he says.