MILTON, Del. — The Milton Theatre is racing against the clock to purchase the Quayside property, launching a 30-day fundraising campaign to secure what leaders call a vital community space.
The Milton Theatre has launched a 30-day campaign to raise $150,000 to purchase the Quayside property at a reduced price and preserve it as a community gathering space. (Milton Theatre)
In a public appeal, the theater said the owner of Quayside has offered to sell the property to the nonprofit at a significantly reduced price of $150,000. The site, originally valued at $400,000, has hosted outdoor concerts and community events and serves as a gathering place along the town’s waterfront.
The Milton Theatre has launched a 30-day campaign to raise $150,000 to purchase the Quayside property at a reduced price and preserve it as a community gathering space.
“Our Town. Our Theatre. Our Quayside. Let’s keep it that way!” the theater said in its announcement, describing the effort as a “now or never” moment.
The theater said it must raise the full amount within one month to complete the purchase. If successful, the acquisition would preserve the space for free community concerts and other public programming in Milton’s Historic District.
Organizers called the offer a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and urged residents and supporters to contribute to help keep Quayside under local stewardship.
"Hopefully, the community will rally behind us. And people will open up their hearts and their wallets, and be as generous as they possibly can," said Development Director Jacey Brittingham.
Brittingham says owning the property will allow them to replace the temporary outdoor stage.
"We want to make something a little bit more permanent so that we can have more opportunities for performances, bigger performances. We'll have outdoor play classes for little kids where families can come and they can hang out in the grass," said Brittingham.
Biandre Mapp, who lives in the area, likes the theatre and hopes the community pulls through.
"They should help because this is a nice spot for kids," said Mapp.
