Dallas, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Forest Theater in South Dallas is set to undergo an $80 million renovation aimed at revitalizing the local cultural scene. This project will conclude construction by March 2026, with plans for a grand reopening in November 2026. The renovation includes a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat studio theater, and a creative laboratory, among other features. It is expected to create over 1,100 jobs and generate substantial annual economic activity for the community.
Dallas
Forest Theater set for November 2026 grand reopening after $80 million renovation
The Forest Theater in South Dallas is undergoing a major renovation led by Forest Forward with construction set to substantially finish by March 2026 and a grand reopening targeted for November 2026. The project carries an $80 million price tag and is positioned as a cultural and economic anchor intended to restore the venue’s role in the neighborhood. Construction is expected to create significant local employment and long-term economic activity tied to performances, education and neighborhood redevelopment.
Immediate details and economic impact
The project plans include a 1,000-seat main concert hall, a 200-seat studio theater, a creative laboratory and a rooftop terrace with skyline views. Construction on the theater is expected to create over 1,100 jobs and nearly $70 million in earnings for workers. The theater’s projected annual spending after reopening is estimated at around $6.3 million, with an additional $3.4 million in annual spending flow expected from surrounding redevelopment.
Key facts
The Forest Theater is located in South Dallas and has a 76-year history.
Nijeul X joined as the new Executive and Artistic Director in October 2025.
The building’s original façade is being restored.
The lobby of the theater has a ceremonious feel, according to X.
The theater has a vision that emphasizes economic and business opportunities for artists.
Key features of the renovation include a concert hall, creative laboratory, roof deck, and studio theater.
Elizabeth Wattley, President and CEO of Forest Forward, aims to create a nostalgic atmosphere reflecting South Dallas culture.
A boulevard has replaced the former US Hwy 175 that previously disrupted the community during segregation.
Construction on the theater is expected to create over 1,100 jobs and nearly $70 million in earnings for workers.
The theater’s projected annual spending after reopening is estimated at around $6.3 million.
An additional $3.4 million in annual spending flow is expected from surrounding redevelopment.
The venue will include a 1,000-seat main concert hall and a 200-seat studio theater.
A rooftop terrace will offer views of the downtown skyline and Fair Park.
Forest Forward’s renovation project has an $80 million price tag, with the City of Dallas contributing $8 million.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided $4 million, while $67 million has been raised from private donors.
Construction is set to substantially finish by March 2026, with a grand reopening targeted for November 2026.
The venue will serve as a hub for artistic expression and community engagement, with a goal of cultivating local talent.
Plans include partnerships with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy and development of mixed-income housing in the area.
The project aims to reverse the impacts of historical segregation and redlining in South Dallas.
In addition to performances, the theater is envisioned to host educational resources and community events.
Community engagement efforts have included soliciting feedback on design features from local residents.
A $102,000 contribution in community aid has been made by Forest Forward so far.
Future plans include acquiring additional nearby properties for redevelopment and to ensure socio-economic diversity.
Nijeul X emphasized the importance of transformation and community involvement during the theater’s redevelopment.
The theater’s reopening is viewed as a critical step in revitalizing South Dallas and restoring its cultural significance.
Design, programming and neighborhood connections
The renovation prioritizes both performance and community space. The 1,000-seat main concert hall and 200-seat studio theater are intended to host a range of performances while a creative laboratory and studio spaces aim to support artistic production and business development for local artists. A rooftop terrace will provide public access and views of the downtown skyline and Fair Park, reinforcing the venue’s role as a visible neighborhood landmark.
Forest Forward is pursuing partnerships and neighborhood investments that extend beyond the building. Plans include formal collaborations with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy and initiatives to develop mixed-income housing nearby. The organization has already provided community aid and solicited resident input on design elements as part of its engagement process.
Funding, timeline and expected outcomes
The renovation carries an $80 million budget, with funding drawn from multiple sources. The City of Dallas is contributing $8 million, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided $4 million, and $67 million has been raised from private donors. Construction is scheduled to be substantially complete by March 2026, with the target grand reopening in November 2026. The project is projected to generate both short-term construction jobs and longer-term economic activity related to venue operations and nearby redevelopment.
Context and goals
The project is framed as an effort to restore a cultural institution and to address persistent effects of past infrastructure and housing policies. A boulevard that replaced the former US Hwy 175 is cited as a corrective change to infrastructure that previously disrupted the community during segregation. The renovation aims to reverse the impacts of historical segregation and redlining in South Dallas while cultivating local talent, enabling economic opportunities for artists, and hosting educational and community programming.
FAQ
Where is the Forest Theater located and how old is it?
The Forest Theater is located in South Dallas and has a 76-year history.
Who is the new Executive and Artistic Director?
Nijeul X joined as the new Executive and Artistic Director in October 2025.
What parts of the building are being restored?
The building’s original façade is being restored.
How is the lobby described?
The lobby of the theater has a ceremonious feel, according to X.
What is the theater’s vision for artists?
The theater has a vision that emphasizes economic and business opportunities for artists.
What are the key features of the renovation?
Key features of the renovation include a concert hall, creative laboratory, roof deck, and studio theater.
Who is leading Forest Forward and what is the cultural intent?
Elizabeth Wattley, President and CEO of Forest Forward, aims to create a nostalgic atmosphere reflecting South Dallas culture.
What infrastructure change addressed past community disruption?
A boulevard has replaced the former US Hwy 175 that previously disrupted the community during segregation.
What are the construction job and earnings estimates?
Construction on the theater is expected to create over 1,100 jobs and nearly $70 million in earnings for workers.
What are the projected annual spending figures after reopening?
The theater’s projected annual spending after reopening is estimated at around $6.3 million.
What is the expected additional annual spending from redevelopment?
An additional $3.4 million in annual spending flow is expected from surrounding redevelopment.
What are the seating capacities at the venue?
The venue will include a 1,000-seat main concert hall and a 200-seat studio theater.
What will the rooftop terrace provide?
A rooftop terrace will offer views of the downtown skyline and Fair Park.
What is the project’s budget and public contribution?
Forest Forward’s renovation project has an $80 million price tag, with the City of Dallas contributing $8 million.
How was the remainder of the project funded?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided $4 million, while $67 million has been raised from private donors.
When is construction expected to finish and when is the reopening targeted?
Construction is set to substantially finish by March 2026, with a grand reopening targeted for November 2026.
What role will the venue play in the community?
The venue will serve as a hub for artistic expression and community engagement, with a goal of cultivating local talent.
What partnerships and housing plans are included?
Plans include partnerships with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy and development of mixed-income housing in the area.
What larger social goals does the project address?
The project aims to reverse the impacts of historical segregation and redlining in South Dallas.
Will the theater host non-performance programs?
In addition to performances, the theater is envisioned to host educational resources and community events.
How has Forest Forward engaged the community?
Community engagement efforts have included soliciting feedback on design features from local residents.
What community aid has been provided so far?
A $102,000 contribution in community aid has been made by Forest Forward so far.
Are there plans for further redevelopment?
Future plans include acquiring additional nearby properties for redevelopment and to ensure socio-economic diversity.
What has leadership emphasized about the redevelopment?
Nijeul X emphasized the importance of transformation and community involvement during the theater’s redevelopment.
How is the reopening viewed in terms of neighborhood impact?
The theater’s reopening is viewed as a critical step in revitalizing South Dallas and restoring its cultural significance.
Key features and figures
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location and history | The Forest Theater is located in South Dallas and has a 76-year history. |
| Project cost | $80 million total; City of Dallas $8 million; HUD $4 million; $67 million private donors. |
| Construction timeline | Substantially finish by March 2026; grand reopening targeted for November 2026. |
| Jobs and earnings | Over 1,100 jobs and nearly $70 million in earnings for workers during construction. |
| Annual spending | Projected ~ $6.3 million annually from venue; + $3.4 million from surrounding redevelopment. |
| Main facilities | 1,000-seat main concert hall; 200-seat studio theater; creative laboratory; roof deck. |
| Community measures | $102,000 contribution in community aid; solicited resident feedback on design features. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Leadership at School: Prabhas Moghe Appointed President
The Format Announces North American Tour
Nijeul X Appointed as New Executive Director for Forest Forward
Dallas Theater Center Opens Season with ‘Noises Off’
Cultural Tensions and Funding Challenges in Dallas Schools
Major Construction Begins on New Neighborhood Park in Dallas
Renovations Underway for Historic Forest Theater in Dallas
JUXTAPOSED Exhibition at Andrew Durham Gallery
Dallas Theater Center Opens 65th Season with Dracula Comedy
Forest Theater Renovations Underway in South Dallas
Additional Resources
- WFAA: South Dallas Forest Theater to Reopen Nov 2026
- D Magazine: Forest Theater in South Dallas Inches Closer to Reopening
- Dallas News: South Dallas Forest Theater Upgrades
- Wikipedia: South Dallas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
