Arts advocates protest against plans to demolish Houston’s historic Garden Oaks Theater, urging new owners to preserve this rare piece of suburban theater history.
HOUSTON — A group of local arts advocates gathered outside the Garden Oaks Theater Sunday afternoon to protest after new owners reportedly announced plans to demolish the historic building.
The theater, which had been operating as a church, was sold last October to the Heights Investment Fund for around $7 million, according to Harris County property records.
Members of Arthouse Houston, a local arts organization, say the building is a rare piece of Houston’s suburban theater history.
“As Houston started to grow, so did the community, and the need for suburban theaters mattered. Now we’ve torn down all of our theaters here in Houston, all we have left is the suburban theaters that are out here, so we can’t lose this,” said Mister McKinney, an advisory board member with Arthouse Houston.
The group says it has reached out to the new owners for comment but has not received a response.
Advocates say they hope raising awareness will encourage the owners to reconsider demolition plans and preserve the historic theater.
KHOU 11 will continue to follow developments regarding the future of the Garden Oaks Theater.
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