S&R Foundation (S&R) and the George Washington University (GW) on Tuesday announced that the university has entered into a contract for S&R to purchase the Fillmore building. S&R, a nonprofit supporting talented individuals in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship, intends to use the building as an arts incubator, which will serve as a platform to grow talented artists in the fields of fine, visual and performing arts, maintaining the educational use of the building and its place as part of the vibrant arts landscape in the nation’s capital.

The Fillmore building, a historic property located in the Georgetown neighborhood, will provide a space for artists to gain inspiration and create innovative and inspired new projects, as well as participate in programming designed to teach and build business acumen and professional development. S&R’s program will be formulated around its mission to support talented individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship, especially those furthering international cultural collaboration. 

“Through S&R’s expansion of arts education at the Fillmore School, we will continue S&R’s commitment to supporting excellence in artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship in an environment that encourages international collaboration. We also are excited to expand our commitment to supporting talented artists in Washington, D.C., especially those from underserved communities,” CEO and President of S&R Foundation Sachiko Kuno said.

GW took ownership of the Fillmore building in August 2014 after signing the historic collaboration agreements—with the Corcoran Gallery of Art and Corcoran College of Art + Design and the National Gallery of Art—that, in part, created the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at GW. The university will use funds from the sale of the Fillmore for the renovation of the 17th Street building and for programs within the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, and is currently engaged in a phased renovation effort to make necessary updates and expand classroom space in the 17th Street building.

The buyer was represented by Mark McFadden of Washington Fine Properties and the seller was represented by Michael Brennan, Phyllis Patterson and Brittany Patterson of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.

The George Washington University
In the heart of the nation’s capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 130 countries.

S&R Foundation
S&R Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports talented individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship, especially those who are furthering international cultural collaboration. Though a unique methodology developed over the past 15 years, individuals are provided with recognition, funding, inspirational space and a supportive community, allowing the facilitation of creativity, innovation and personal growth.