Dallas considers historic designation for Colonial Theatre on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the historic designation process for the Colonial Theatre located at 1702 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Dallas. The meeting, led by city staff member Michael Flowers, aimed to initiate a public hearing regarding the potential recognition of this significant site.

Chanel Sampson and Kim Stanley, representatives of the current owners, presented their case for the theatre's historical designation. They highlighted the building's rich history, dating back to its construction in 1915. Originally known as the Colonial Theatre, it transitioned to the Forest Theatre in the late 1920s and served as a prominent venue for major film studios, including Paramount and MGM, during its peak years.

The speakers emphasized the theatre's role in the community, noting that it has functioned as a theater, nightclub, retail store, and dry cleaning business over the past century. Currently, the site is undergoing renovations to become the Jack and Jill Center Career Center, which aims to provide job training and entrepreneurship opportunities for the Dallas community.

The owners expressed their commitment to preserving the legacy of the theatre, originally established by the Haubitzel brothers, and continuing its service to the community. The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing and preserving historical sites, as they contribute to the cultural fabric of the area.

As the city considers the request for historic designation, the outcome could have significant implications for the future of the Colonial Theatre and its role in the community. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations by city officials to determine the feasibility of granting the historic status.