From a movie theatER to an art gallery now a theatRE, the historic DeLuxe Theater in Houston’s Fifth Ward is back!
Known as Fifth Ward’s “Main Street” Lyons Avenue will continue to house the DeLuxe Theater, however the space looks nothing like before– thanks to Smith & Co. Architects and a 5.5 million dollars worth of renovations. Bordered by Buffalo Bayou, Jensen Drive, Liberty Road and Lockwood Drive– was settled in the 1800s by freed slaves. The reintroduction of the DeLuxe Theater to the neighborhood should positively impact the area, one in which experiencing a slow but steady resurgence. The initiative referred to as the “Lyons Avenue Renaissance” by the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (FWCRC) is committed to beautifying and rebuilding the corridor.
The DeLuxe Theater will contain a traditional proscenium theater with 125 seats and the east wing will be used for gallery space. Now partially under control and developed for the use of Texas Southern University‘s theatre department, the DeLuxe Theater will transition as their main performance space, a former furniture store next door will be transformed into classrooms and 3,500 square feet of retail space and shops.
THE HISTORY OF THE DELUXE THEATER
“The DeLuxe Theater opened in April 1941 and is located at 3303 Lyons Avenue in the heart of Houston’s Fifth Ward… After the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964, the days of segregated movie theaters came to an end and the DeLuxe closed in 1969…From August 15 to September 12, 1971, the “DeLuxe Show” was held at the theater on Lyons. Sponsored by the Menil Foundation, the “DeLuxe Show” was one of the first racially integrated exhibitions of contemporary artists in the United States at a time of a nationwide controversy on opportunities for black artists…In 1972 and 1973 the DeLuxe Theater was home to two more art exhibits, the last being the Tribal Arts of Africa exhibit. Despite hopes of continuing to use the theater as an arts venue, the building has been dark since 1973 and had fallen into rapid deterioration… In 1998, the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation purchased the theater…Determined to find the right partner, the FWCRC engaged in a tri-party agreement with The City of Houston and Texas Southern University, which led to the current rehabilitation of the renowned venue…Located at a high-profile intersection with Gregg Street, the theater presents an opportunity for a major step forward in the visual revitalization of Lyons Avenue, which enhances the immediate area’s image to potential residents. Furthermore, the interest and programming generated by the DeLuxe Theater will draw visitors and raise general market awareness of the Fifth Ward.”
A grand opening gala will take place April this year, but the ribbon cutting unveiling the renovated performance venue took place this past December, one of now former Mayor Annise Parker’s last tasks while in office.
I may be a Houston Cougar, but I couldn’t be more excited for my neighboring TSU’s theatre department. This is bound to be a wonderful investment for the school and the city as a whole. Here’s to preserving a part of Houston’s history as well as producing innovative performances to propel both TSU’s theatre and the city forward!
The DeLuxe Theater is located at 3303 Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX 77020
All media courtesy of The DeLuxe Theater.
The DeLuxe Theater Returns to Fifth Ward [THEATRE] From a movie theatER to an art gallery now a theatRE, the historic DeLuxe Theater in Houston's Fifth Ward is back!