The Dallas Landmark Commission voted to initiate the historic designation process for 1702 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, known historically as the Colonial (later Forest) Theatre.

The motion to begin the designation process passed with no recorded opposition after owners and family representatives presented documentation and described plans to rehabilitate the building for community job-training and career services.

The initiation hearing was introduced by Michael Flowers of city staff, who described the request as a petition to open the formal landmark designation process for the Colonial Theatre. Property owners Chanel Sampson and Kim Stanley spoke in favor of the initiation. Sampson said the owners were presenting the petition on behalf of family members and noted their intention to continue preserving the building’s legacy. Stanley summarized archival research indicating the theater’s original construction in 1915, its operation by Carl and George Hobitzel, its later identification as the Forest Theatre around 1929, and its long history of community uses including a nightclub and retail uses.

Sampson said the family is renovating the building to become a Jack and Jill Center Career Center offering job training, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities for the Dallas community. Commissioners asked clarifying questions but raised no objections. Commissioner Livingston moved to approve initiation of the designation process; Commissioner Reeves seconded. The commission then voted in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps include working with the Landmark Commission’s designation committee to prepare a report and public hearing materials as the formal designation process proceeds. Staff noted owners will be contacted by the designation committee with details about timelines and required documentation.

Votes and procedural notes from the meeting: the commission recorded support for initiation with no opposition. Commissioners Offit and Hinojosa were online for parts of the hearing; Commissioner Livingston (who originally sponsored the case) participated prior to the vote.

The commission’s initiation vote does not itself establish landmark status; it begins the statutory designation process that includes staff reports, hearings and additional documentation.