DALLAS (1080 KRLD)- A legendary theater is getting new life in South Dallas.
The Forest Theater (1920 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.) in South Dallas was originally built in 1949 as part of the Karl Hoblitzelle theater family and has a rich history. Once predominantly serving the Jewish community, it became a beacon of hope for the African American community after white flight and segregation. The theater became an integral part of the community, hosting various events such as voter registration meetings and girl scout gatherings.
Forest Theater in South Dallas circa 1949Dallas History & Archives, Public Library
Over the years, the iconic landmark fell into disrepair and went largely unused since 2009, so the nonprofit Forest Forward is undergoing the ambitious plan to renovate it.
"Although the Forest Theater in South Dallas has served as a proud beacon of hope for decades, its history and significance is unknown or often forgotten by many," said Forest Forward founder and CEO Elizabeth Wattley. "Restoring this historic treasure to its full potential as an arts and culture center – and using it as a catalyst to improve education, housing and economic vibrancy – is a good-news story for everyone living in Dallas and North Texas."
The theater will be expanded from its current size of 33,000 square feet to a whopping 66,000 square feet. Additionally, there will be a state-of-the-art 13,000 square foot arts education hub equipped with a podcast room, design studio, flex space, editing lab, and even a cafe. The addition of a studio theater and a 1,000 seat concert hall will further elevate the theater's offerings.
From September 14 through October 17 a special exhibit "Forest Forward: The Future Is Here" will be on display at NorthPark Center. The display is in the NorthCourt area (Level One between Nordstrom and Macy's).
Northwest CornerHKS Architects
"It will highlight that our overall campaign is $75,215,000 and that is a specific number because that is a representation also of our zip code, 75215," Wattley says. "And so when you come and check out the exhibit, you will see the impact of what's happening in 75215 and you will see the future of 75215."
Additionally, Wattley announced a giving opportunity called the "Forest Fund" designed to engage and amplify community support, offering a 5-to-1 match for donations made by residents living in 75215 neighborhoods. South Dallas resident and community leader Willie Mae Coleman was on hand at NorthPark Center to make the first gift to the "Forest Fund" that she described as "the People's Campaign."
"I have lived in South Dallas for 89 years. I am proud of my community, and I am so excited about what is taking place at the Forest Theater," said Coleman. "Thank you to Forest Forward for their hard work, dedication and the financial investment they are bringing to South Dallas. And, thanks to the 'Forest Fund, every gift – no matter large or small – is so very special and will help make this vision a reality!"
Forest Forward's planned rehabilitation of the Forest Theater and surrounding area is expected to launch in Spring 2024.
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