Garden Oaks Theater to be saved from demolition
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Garden Oaks Theater was converted into a church. Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Arthouse Houston says it is moving forward with purchasing the historic Garden Oaks Theater after Labor Day.
Why it matters: The deal would preserve the nearly 80-year-old cinema and pave the way for a new arts and film center.
The latest: Arthouse has raised about $2.8 million but is still roughly $400,000 short of its $3.1 million goal for the down payment and initial costs. The nonprofit is now calling in its remaining pledged donations to help close the deal.
Catch up quick: The campaign began in February, when Arthouse learned the theater was headed for demolition and struck a deal to buy it.
- More than 800 people have donated, with major backing from Houston-raised filmmakers Wes Anderson and Richard Linklater.
What they're saying: "We're almost there!" Anderson said in a statement. "The success of this little rescue belongs to every single person in Houston. It's going to pay fantastic dividends for years to come."
What's next: After closing the deal, Arthouse plans to launch a three-year capital campaign to restore and reimagine the theater, with a grand opening targeted for 2028.
- The roughly $18 million overall project includes an estimated $6.9 million for restoration and $4 million to equip the arts and film center. A temporary drive-in theater is planned during renovations.