Dallas, October 8, 2025
News Summary
The Forest Theater in South Dallas is undergoing major renovations to revive its status as a cultural hub for the Black community. With new executive and artistic director Nijeul X at the helm, the non-profit organization Forest Forward is spearheading the $80 million project. Construction crews are currently expanding the facility with plans for a 1,000-seat concert hall, multiuse studio, and various artistic spaces. The theater aims to open in March 2024, providing a venue for performances and community engagement.
Dallas — The Forest Theater in South Dallas, a once-vibrant cultural hub for the Black community, is undergoing renovations to restore its former glory. Nijeul X has been appointed as the new executive and artistic director, aiming to reimagine the previously neglected space. Forest Forward, a nonprofit organization, is leading the renovations with the goal of making the theater a national destination for performances and community engagement. Construction crews are on site and work is already underway to expand the building, add new performance and rehearsal spaces, and reopen the venue as a community-centered arts hub.
What is happening now
Construction crews are currently at work building a new multiuse studio within the theater. The project includes a major addition to the existing facility and interior renovations aimed at creating flexible spaces for performances, practice, instruction, and media production. The renovated theater is set to open next year and will serve as an “artistic home” for local talent. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025, with hopes to host events as early as March 2024.
Planned facilities and additions
Plans include a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat multiuse studio, an immersive art studio, a visual art studio, a media lab, and a podcast studio. An additional 35,000 square feet are being added to the theater’s existing space. There will be a public cafe and a rooftop bar offering views of the Dallas skyline. Construction of parking beneath Interstate-45 is part of the plan, creating 253 parking spaces to accommodate visitors.
Project scale, timeline and funding
The project has an overall budget of $80 million, with funding from various sources, including an $8 million grant from the City of Dallas. More than 1,100 construction jobs will be created through the renovation project. Forest Forward has made additional property acquisitions for a renovated office space and potential mixed-income housing near the theater. The theater aims to stimulate further redevelopment in the surrounding area, projected to generate an additional $3.4 million in annual spending.
Community partnerships and programming
Partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions, such as the Dallas ISD and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy, are already in place to support community engagement and workforce development. Nijeul X aims to cultivate local talent and create transformative experiences for theater guests through innovative programming and community-driven initiatives. The renovated facility is planned to serve both professional performers and local arts groups, with dedicated spaces for youth training, media production, and visual arts.
Context: history and neighborhood needs
The Forest Theater has hosted legendary acts like Tina Turner, B.B. King, and Prince. The theater, located in ZIP code 75215, has the county’s lowest life expectancy estimate at 68 years, highlighting the need for community revitalization. Project leaders link the arts redevelopment to broader neighborhood strategies that include housing, education, and health improvements. Elizabeth Wattley, the president and CEO of Forest Forward, emphasizes the importance of linking housing and education to neighborhood revitalization for improving health outcomes.
Expected community effects
Organizers expect the renovated theater to enhance quality of life and foster creativity across South Dallas neighborhoods, offer jobs during construction and in ongoing operations, and serve as an anchor for additional private and public investment. The combined facility mix and adjacent property plans are intended to create steady programming, workforce pathways, and cultural tourism that support long-term neighborhood stability.
FAQ
Who is leading the renovations?
Forest Forward, a nonprofit organization, is leading the renovations with the goal of making the theater a national destination for performances and community engagement.
Who is the new executive and artistic director?
Nijeul X has been appointed as the new executive and artistic director, aiming to reimagine the previously neglected space.
What construction is happening now?
Construction crews are currently at work building a new multiuse studio within the theater.
When will the theater reopen?
The renovated theater is set to open next year and will serve as an “artistic home” for local talent.
What are the major facilities planned?
Plans include a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat multiuse studio, an immersive art studio, a visual art studio, a media lab, and a podcast studio.
How much additional space is being added?
An additional 35,000 square feet are being added to the theater’s existing space.
What is the project budget and city support?
The project has an overall budget of $80 million, with funding from various sources, including an $8 million grant from the City of Dallas.
How many parking spaces will be available?
Construction of parking beneath Interstate-45 is part of the plan, creating 253 parking spaces to accommodate visitors.
How many jobs will the renovation create?
More than 1,100 construction jobs will be created through the renovation project.
What neighborhood impacts are expected?
The theater aims to stimulate further redevelopment in the surrounding area, projected to generate an additional $3.4 million in annual spending.
What properties has Forest Forward acquired?
Forest Forward has made additional property acquisitions for a renovated office space and potential mixed-income housing near the theater.
What partnerships support the project?
Partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions, such as the Dallas ISD and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy, are already in place to support community engagement and workforce development.
What is the history of the theater?
The Forest Theater in South Dallas, a once-vibrant cultural hub for the Black community, is undergoing renovations to restore its former glory. The Forest Theater has hosted legendary acts like Tina Turner, B.B. King, and Prince.
What are the project timeline details?
Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025, with hopes to host events as early as March 2024.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Concert hall | 1,000-seat concert hall |
| Multiuse studio | 200-seat multiuse studio |
| Studios and labs | Immersive art studio; visual art studio; media lab; podcast studio |
| Added space | An additional 35,000 square feet are being added to the theater’s existing space |
| Parking | 253 parking spaces (construction beneath Interstate-45) |
| Budget | $80 million total budget; includes an $8 million grant from the City of Dallas |
| Construction jobs | More than 1,100 construction jobs will be created through the renovation project |
| Economic impact | Projected to generate an additional $3.4 million in annual spending |
| Neighborhood | Located in ZIP code 75215; county’s lowest life expectancy estimate at 68 years |
| Timeline | Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025; hopes to host events as early as March 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Theater Center Opens 65th Season with Dracula Comedy
Forest Theater Renovations Underway in South Dallas
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: New Forest Theater Director Crafting Vision for South Dallas Community Hub
- D Magazine: Forest Theater, a South Dallas Landmark, Inches Closer to Reopening
- NBC Dallas: $8 Million Approved for Historic Forest Theater in Dallas
- Candy’s Dirt: Lights, Camera, Revitalization for South Dallas Historic Forest Theater
- Google Search: Forest Theater Dallas
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.
