Dallas, October 25, 2025
News Summary
The Forest Theater in South Dallas will reopen in November 2026 following significant renovations and expansions. The project, which includes a new 1,000-seat concert hall and a studio theater, aims to revitalize the community, promote economic opportunities, and connect the arts with local development. More than $70 million has already been raised for the renovation, with construction expected to create numerous jobs and support affordable housing initiatives in the area.
Dallas
Forest Theater to Reopen November 2026 After Major Renovation
The historic Forest Theater in South Dallas is scheduled for a grand reopening in November 2026 following an extensive renovation and expansion. Construction is expected to be substantially complete by early 2026, and the revitalized venue will include a concert hall that seats 1,000, a studio theater for 200, a café, a recording studio, and community gathering spaces. The project is being led by Forest Forward, a nonprofit that has raised more than $70 million for the renovation project.
Key details and timeline
The Forest Theater, which is 75 years old, sits south of downtown Dallas along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Interstate 45. The renovation includes a 28,000-square-foot expansion and parking built beneath Interstate-45 that will add 253 parking spots. Construction is projected to be substantially complete by early 2026, with the venue planning a grand opening in November 2026.
Leadership and purpose
The newly appointed artistic director is Nijuel X, who moved to North Texas from Los Angeles after spending 15 years in performance theaters. Forest Forward’s president and CEO, Elizabeth Wattley, has framed the project as a community revitalization effort that goes beyond restoring a building and seeks to connect arts, economic opportunity, and neighborhood development.
Community and economic impact
The revival of the Forest Theater is positioned as a cornerstone for future development in the 75215 ZIP code. Renovation efforts are expected to create over 1,100 construction jobs and generate nearly $70 million in earnings. The project also includes affordable housing initiatives intended to de-concentrate poverty in the South Dallas neighborhood.
Forest Forward has contributed $102,000 in community aid to date and has formed a partnership with Dallas ISD to provide resources and support to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy. Financial commitments for broader neighborhood work include a $6.8 million grant commitment from Wells Fargo, targeting small business growth, affordable housing, and workforce development in South Dallas.
History and cultural role
The Forest Theater has historically served as a center for Black artistic expression. Over the decades, the venue transformed from a movie theater to a nightclub to a house of worship, reflecting changing neighborhood needs and cultural uses. The restored theater aims to reestablish the site as a hub for community engagement and cultural expression.
Facilities and programming goals
Planned facilities include a main concert hall with seating for 1,000, a 200-seat studio theater for smaller performances and rehearsals, a recording studio to support local musicians, a café for patrons and community members, and flexible spaces intended for meetings, workshops, and civic use. The project team emphasizes mixed-use outcomes: arts programming alongside workforce development, small-business support, and affordable housing projects.
Next steps and expectations
Construction will continue through 2025 with substantial completion targeted for early 2026. The grand opening is planned for November 2026. In addition to physical construction, planning will continue for programming, community partnerships, and workforce pipelines that aim to link the theater’s presence to neighborhood economic activity.
Funding and economic development focus
Forest Forward, a nonprofit, has raised more than $70 million for the renovation project. Additional community and neighborhood funding efforts include the Wells Fargo commitment of $6.8 million in grant funding. The funding focus includes small business growth, affordable housing, and workforce development in South Dallas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the planned reopening date for the Forest Theater?
Construction is expected to be substantially complete by early 2026 with a grand opening planned for November 2026.
Who is leading the theater artistically?
Nijuel X is the new artistic director of the historic Forest Theater.
How old is the Forest Theater?
The Forest Theater is undergoing renovation and is 75 years old.
Where is the Forest Theater located?
The theater is located south of downtown Dallas along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Interstate 45.
What is the theater’s historical role?
The Forest Theater has historically served as a center for Black artistic expression.
What changes has the venue previously undergone?
Over the decades, the venue has transformed from a movie theater to a nightclub to a house of worship.
Who is funding the renovation?
Forest Forward, a nonprofit, has raised more than $70 million for the renovation project.
How large is the expansion?
The renovation includes a 28,000-square-foot expansion.
What did Forest Forward’s leader say about the project?
Elizabeth Wattley is the president and CEO of Forest Forward and stated that the project is about more than just resurrecting the building; it aims to revitalize the community.
How will the revival affect the neighborhood?
The theater’s revival is seen as a cornerstone for future development in the 75215 ZIP code.
What amenities will the renovation include?
The renovation plans include a café, recording studio, and community gathering spaces.
What performance spaces will the new theater have?
The new Forest Theater will feature a concert hall that seats 1,000 and a studio theater for 200.
What are the job and earnings projections?
Renovation efforts are expected to create over 1,100 construction jobs and generate nearly $70 million in earnings.
What about parking?
Construction will include parking built beneath Interstate-45, adding 253 parking spots.
Are there housing or community goals?
Forest Forward aims to de-concentrate poverty in the South Dallas neighborhood by developing affordable housing projects.
Is the project partnering with schools?
A partnership with Dallas ISD is providing resources and support to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy.
What community aid has been provided so far?
To date, Forest Forward has contributed $102,000 in community aid.
Has any bank committed funding?
Wells Fargo has committed $6.8 million in grant funding to support neighborhood revitalization efforts.
What will that funding focus on?
This funding will focus on small business growth, affordable housing, and workforce development in South Dallas.
What is the overall aim of the theater project?
The theater aims to be a hub for community engagement and cultural expression in the area.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reopening | Construction is expected to be substantially complete by early 2026 with a grand opening planned for November 2026. |
| Funding | Forest Forward, a nonprofit, has raised more than $70 million for the renovation project. |
| Expansion | The renovation includes a 28,000-square-foot expansion. |
| Performance spaces | The new Forest Theater will feature a concert hall that seats 1,000 and a studio theater for 200. |
| Jobs and earnings | Renovation efforts are expected to create over 1,100 construction jobs and generate nearly $70 million in earnings. |
| Parking | Construction will include parking built beneath Interstate-45, adding 253 parking spots. |
| Community aid | To date, Forest Forward has contributed $102,000 in community aid. |
| Bank commitment | Wells Fargo has committed $6.8 million in grant funding to support neighborhood revitalization efforts. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic Fine Arts Theatre in Denton Set for Restoration
New Gallery Showcase Featuring ‘Expressive Florals’ in Dallas
Forest Theater to Reopen After Major Renovation
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
Additional Resources
- NBC Dallas: Forest Theater Renovation
- WFAA: South Dallas Forest Theater Reopening
- D Magazine: Forest Theater Reopening
- Dallas News: New Forest Theater Director
- Google Search: Forest Theater Dallas
- Wikipedia: Forest Theater
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Forest Theater
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