The city along with Texas Southern University and the Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority announced plans Friday to restore the abandoned Fifth Ward Deluxe Theater on Lyons Avenue. The $3.7 million project will bring the building to life as a performing arts theater with 125 seats, classrooms, and space for future retail development.
The mayor says the theater will be good for the economy and is a source of pride for the community.
"This is a very close neighborhood to downtown, and developers are already eyeing it. We need to make sure that the cultural institutions that have sustained this community for decades are reinvigorated," said Mayor Annise Parker.
The art deco deluxe theater opened its doors in the spring of 1941. It's been empty since 1973.
