South Dallas, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Renovations at the Forest Theater are progressing to revitalize the historic 75-year-old venue in South Dallas. The phased schedule aims for an exterior completion by late 2023 and interior work extending into 2024. Community engagement efforts include tours scheduled for 2023. The $80 million initiative will expand the theater, enhance economic opportunities, and support local residents, with a grand opening anticipated in 2026.
Dallas — The Forest Theater is undergoing renovations to revitalize the roughly 75-year-old space in South Dallas.
Summary (Most Important)
Theater renovations are moving forward with a phased schedule that targets exterior completion by the end of 2023 and interior work continuing into 2024. Most renovations are expected to be complete around May 2024, and a grand opening of the theater is anticipated for November 2026. Tours for community members are planned by the end of this year (2023) as part of engagement efforts before the public opening.
Current Status and Timeline
The theater’s exterior renovations are expected to be completed by the end of 2023, with interior work continuing into 2024. Most renovations are expected to be complete around May 2024. Since breaking ground in April 2023, the organization has been removing asbestos and following historic regulations during the renovation process. Project leaders report that the work remains on track despite delays caused by weather and material supply chain issues. A grand opening of the theater is anticipated for November 2026.
Community Engagement and Staffing
Tours for community members are planned by the end of this year (2023) as part of engagement efforts before the public opening. Forest Forward aims to hire a large portion of the staff by the end of 2023 to prepare for programming and operations. At recent community meetings, residents provided input on design elements, including curtain color preferences, and the project team is incorporating local feedback into final design decisions.
Funding, Budget and Amenities
Forest Forward has raised $73 million for renovations and seeks an additional $7 million to fund amenities, including film screening equipment. The renovation project is part of a larger $80 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the South Dallas area. The City of Dallas has granted $8 million to assist with the theater’s renovations. Forest Forward has already contributed $102,000 in community aid to support local families facing challenges.
Facilities, Programming and Partnerships
The project includes a 28,000-square-foot expansion of the theater. The venue will host over 140 events per year and is expected to feature both performances and educational resources. Planned amenities include multiple performance halls, a café, educational spaces, and a rooftop terrace with views of the city skyline. Additional plans call for mixed-income housing, walkable public spaces, and a partnership with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy to connect arts programming with local schools.
Economic Impact
Construction is creating economic opportunities, with over 1,100 construction jobs expected to be generated, contributing nearly $70 million in earnings. The Forest Theater is expected to contribute $6.3 million annually once operational, with further economic growth anticipated in the surrounding area. Project leaders expect the venue to become a community hub that showcases local talent and offers educational resources intended to counteract long-term effects of disinvestment, segregation, and redlining.
History and Cultural Role
The Forest Theater has a long history as a cultural center for Black audiences. Historically, the Forest Theater was a cultural center for Black audiences and hosted notable acts like Tina Turner and Erykah Badu. Over the decades the building has served varied community functions, including operating as a nightclub, a synagogue, a church, and a movie theater. Future plans include acquiring additional properties nearby for further development and supporting local schooling and community initiatives.
Project Scale and Next Steps
The renovation includes adherence to historic preservation standards and removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos. Most renovations are expected to be complete around May 2024, with a public grand opening anticipated for November 2026. Forest Forward is seeking the remaining funding to outfit amenities and technical equipment to support film screenings and expanded programming, and plans to continue community engagement through tours and local hiring.
FAQ
What is happening to the Forest Theater?
The Forest Theater is undergoing renovations to revitalize the roughly 75-year-old space in South Dallas.
When will exterior and interior renovations be finished?
The theater’s exterior renovations are expected to be completed by the end of 2023, with interior work continuing into 2024.
When are most renovations expected to be complete?
Most renovations are expected to be complete around May 2024.
When is the grand opening planned?
A grand opening of the theater is anticipated for November 2026.
Are there community tours before opening?
Tours for community members are planned by the end of this year (2023) as part of engagement efforts before the public opening.
How much funding has been raised and what is still needed?
Forest Forward has raised $73 million for renovations and seeks an additional $7 million to fund amenities, including film screening equipment.
How large will the expansion be?
The project includes a 28,000-square-foot expansion of the theater.
How many events will the venue host each year?
The venue will host over 140 events per year and is expected to feature both performances and educational resources.
What economic impact is expected from construction?
Construction is creating economic opportunities, with over 1,100 construction jobs expected to be generated, contributing nearly $70 million in earnings.
Has the city provided funding?
The City of Dallas has granted $8 million to assist with the theater’s renovations.
How much will the Forest Theater contribute annually once open?
The Forest Theater is expected to contribute $6.3 million annually once operational.
Has Forest Forward provided local community aid?
Forest Forward has already contributed $102,000 in community aid to support local families facing challenges.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Raised | $73 million |
| Additional Funding Sought | $7 million |
| Project Initiative Total | $80 million |
| City Grant | $8 million |
| Expansion Size | 28,000-square-foot expansion |
| Events per Year | Over 140 events per year |
| Construction Jobs | Over 1,100 construction jobs expected |
| Construction Earnings | Nearly $70 million in earnings |
| Expected Annual Contribution | $6.3 million annually once operational |
| Grand Opening | November 2026 |
| Community Tours | Planned by the end of this year (2023) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: South Dallas Forest Theater Upgrades
- Wikipedia: Forest Theater
- NBC DFW: $8 Million Approved for Historic Forest Theater
- Google Search: Forest Theater Dallas
- WFAA: Forest Forward Theater Restoration Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
- D Magazine: Forest Theater Inches Closer to Reopening
- Google News: Forest Theater Renovations
- Candy’s Dirt: Revitalization of Forest Theater
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF 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.
