Historic Theater News

Forest Theater in South Dallas receives $8 million city council grant

Forest Theater

Rendering courtesy of HKS Architects

In the midst of an epic renovation, the historic Forest Theater in South Dallas is taking a moment to celebrate a milestone birthday: The facility turns 75 years old. And to keep it running another 75, the facility is seeking donations.

First built in 1949, the theater was expected to be demolished in 2015, when Preservation Dallas advocated for recognition of its historical value as a landmark.

The property was gifted to nonprofit Forest Forward in 2017 and has since become one of their main initiatives in a mission toward preserving history and bringing neighborhood revitalization to South Dallas.

A restoration to the tune of $75 million began in April, starting with expanding the building to a 66,000-square-foot space.

The plan includes a 1,000-seat performance hall, 13,000 square feet for arts education in partnership with MLK Arts Academy, and a 200-seat studio theater and rooftop feature.

Although currently funded for the restoration, the project will eventually need more funds for day-to-day operation. Donations can be made through their website.

UPDATE 11-13-2024: At a meeting on November 13, the Dallas City Council unanimously approved an $8 million grant to support Forest Forward’s redevelopment of the historic Forest Theater. The redevelopment will include the restoration of the 500-seat theater, a 28,000-square-foot expansion with a 175-seat black box theater, and additional spaces such as a café and rooftop deck. Funding includes $7 million from the City’s Infrastructure Investment Fund, a 2023 initiative aimed at targeted development in underserved areas.
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Developed by theater owner and philanthropist Karl Hoblitzelle, the theater closed in 2008 and had become significantly run down — down to three walls and not much of a roof.

“Our support of Forest Forward is about more than the effort to restore the theater built by our founder,” says Katie Robbins, president and CEO of the Hoblitzelle Foundation. “It’s about our ongoing commitment to Dallas that will bring educational, economic, and cultural opportunities to a neighborhood that’s important for the next 75 years.”

The role of the theater in the South Dallas community has evolved since its first opening. It closed and reopened as a theater serving mostly Black residents in 1956, following the construction of U.S. 75. In the years after, notable artists such as Erykah Badu, B.B. King, Wilson Pickett, Ike and Tina Turner, and Prince performed at the theater before its 2008 closure.

“It will continue to be more than a venue for entertainment. The Forest Theater is making its comeback as a cornerstone for social change, important dialogues, community gatherings, and educational initiatives,” Elizabeth Wattley, president and CEO of Forest Forward, said in a statement.

Renovations on the theater are expected to be completed by December 2025.

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Marquee event

Dallas' historic Forest Theater sets grand return after $75M revival

Courtesy of HKS Architects

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The 77-year-old Forest Theater in South Dallas will officially reopen its doors this fall after extensive renovations.

On Sunday, November 1 the theater will host a celebration dubbed the Grand Return to welcome the community back through its doors at 1918 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., a release says.

The theater, which opened in 1949 but has not hosted an event in nearly 20 years, will mark its a new chapter with live entertainment, musical guests, a Vendor Village, food trucks, and opportunities to experience the restored venue.

The evening will culminate in the ceremonial relighting of the Theater's iconic tower and marquee for the first time in more than 50 years.

In its prime, the Forest Theater was one of Dallas' premier live entertainment destinations, hosting legendary performers like Prince, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, and Dallas native Erykah Badu.

The theater closed in 2008 and was expected to be demolished in 2015, when Preservation Dallas advocated for recognition of its historical value as a landmark.

They initiated a restoration to the tune of $75 million in 2024, starting with expanding the building to a 66,000-square-foot space. The fundraising campaign included an $8 million grant from the City of Dallas.

The expanded theater campus will now include a 1,000-person concert hall, 200-seat black box theater, 13,000 square foot creative education lab, recording and podcast studios, rooftop gathering space, artist classrooms, and community meeting areas.

Officials hope that the restored Forest Theater will serve as the cultural anchor of a broader neighborhood revitalization strategy, connecting arts and culture with investments in education, housing, and economic mobility.

"The Grand Return is more than a celebration - it's a homecoming," said Elizabeth Wattley, CEO of Forest Forward, in a statement. "For generations, the Forest Theater was a place where South Dallas gathered, celebrated, and saw itself reflected. On November 1, after more than 50 years, we will light the tower again and invite the entire city through these doors to experience what comes next."

The Grand Return will run from 5:30-9 pm November 1. Advance registration is required to attend the event; those interested can register at Eventbrite.com. Each guest must register individually to reserve their place at the celebration.

Registration is pay-what-you-can, with add-ons available as part of the theater's Light the Tower campaign for those would like to invest in its future.

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