(From DCist contributor Eleanor Davis, with Austin Dienst)

In four years of living in Columbia Heights, DCist has seen a lot of changes. New condos are springing up like dandelions in an un-mowed lawn, it’s been at least a year since anyone got shot in our alley, we’ve got a neighborhood coffeeshop, and there’s a great new bar we can walk to. But all of this can’t help but seem like a prelude to the opening of the much debated and oft–postponed Tivoli theater complex at 14th Street and Park Road. Sure, it’s not quite as flashy as the Target/ice rink/movie theater they’re planning to build across the street, but the lights on the marquee shine pretty darn bright.

Burned out during the 1968 riots, the former movie theatre has been remodeled into office space, retail units, and a 250-seat performance space. Town houses and a new Giant are still under construction around the corner, but new signage indicates a Wachovia branch and Blockbuster will be opening soon, and this weekend the GALA Hispanic Theater is having a grand opening celebration featuring tours and performances from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and a Three King’s Day party, with a petting zoo, from 2-4 p.n. on Sunday. Tickets for tonight’s GALA Gala were $250 each, but they are currently sold out. So if you don’t have one you’ll have to wait until Saturday or Sunday to check out the new space. But don’t fret, there are other ways to get involved with the theatre. There are two different membership plans, which give you access to selected shows, readings, and film screenings. Upcoming performances include “Yerma,” “A Poet in New York,” and “Real Women Have Curves.”

Looking for dining options before or after a show? DCist is here to help.