In a stunning reversal, Citibank has, with only days remaining before a court deadline, halted foreclosure proceedings against Chris Jaszczak and 1515 Broadway, cancelled the imminent eviction of Chris and his son (who live above the space) and agreed to modify the little theater's mortgage.

While details are still being negotiated between 1515's lawyer Jerry Goldberg and Citi, the Save 1515 Broadway Facebook event page has announced that the press conference scheduled for this Wednesday, January 25th has been cancelled. The rally scheduled for this Thursday, January 26th has been changed to a victory celebration.

This is a testament to the kind of power a community can wield when it acts together, a lesson we all need to be reminded of from time to time. Things turned when long time 1515 friend and supporter Nancy Kotting found herself on the phone with Citi Property Holdings President Richard Isenberg last week. She evidently made her case. As did a number of other people. The turnaround was made possible only because of our grassroots mobilization, but it is interesting that the change of course came from the very top of Citi.

This victory is also a hyperlocal example of how potent the social web can be in informing and activating people in a short period of time. Not exactly the Egyptian revolution, but pretty damn impressive.

It might also be helpful at this moment to add a little perspective. This was an isolated, anecdotal example of a very big bank doing the right thing. I honor their decision because it was the right thing to do.

But at the same time we come together Thursday to celebrate this victory with Chris, there are unjust foreclosures and evictions still moving forward right now by the thousands across Michigan and the country. And most of those folks are not likely to be as fortunate as Chris. One takeaway from our experience with 1515 should be to investigate and get involved with the growing number of local organizations that are working on the issue of foreclosure.

Finally, a shoutout to all those who stepped up and helped us save this community institution. I sat in court and watched 1515 attorney Jerry Goldberg fight the good fight against Citi's corporate lawyers. Jerry was a rock. 36th District Court Judge David Robinson gave the process time to breathe (and for us to get organized). And volunteer coordinator Bonnie Halloran and countless supporters like Nancy Kotting who worked this process deserve a special thank you.

Never been to 1515? Never chatted with Chris and thanked him for his community service? Now is a perfect time to get to know the theatre, sip an expresso made by Dan or Crystal and to actively support our local, independent theater. I'll see you there.