City to Convert Historic Fifth Ward Deluxe Theater for TSU
The City of Houston, Texas Southern University (TSU) and the Fifth
Ward Redevelopment Authority (FWRD) have reached agreement on a plan to
convert the abandoned historic Fifth Ward Deluxe Theater on Lyons Avenue
into a performing arts theater, classrooms and space for future retail
development. The project calls for 125 seats for theater patrons,
parking for 45 vehicles, structural stabilization and restoration of the
theater marquis fronting on Lyons Avenue.
“The Deluxe Theater has long been a fixture in the Fifth Ward,” said
Mayor Annise Parker. “This agreement will give it a new lease on life.
It shows that with some creativity and some willing partners, we can
find productive uses for our historic buildings. Students and the
community will have a new facility for the arts and our economy will
enjoy the jobs created by the construction work.”
“The City of Houston and Fifth Ward community will have an institution
that we can all be proud of,” said District B Houston Council Member
Jarvis Johnson, who played an integral role in getting the agreement
done. “This partnership will help revitalize the surrounding
neighborhood and spur economic growth in the process. This is a proud
day for the likes of Mickey Leland, Barbara Jordan, and all the great
Fifth Wardens that paved the way for this city.”
The City acquired the building in 2009 using Community Development Block
Grant Funds. The restoration project will cost $3.7 million and be paid
for through CDBG dollars and money from Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
18. TSU’s lease payments to the City will total $610,725 over five
years. FWRD will pay an estimated $179,000 in rent over five years. Both
TSU and FWRC will be allowed to offset their rent by offering the
facility for use for community events.
“This project means a great deal to Texas Southern University,” stated
TSU President Dr. John Rudley. “The Deluxe Theatre has a long and
storied history of bringing quality and informative engagements to
Houston. We look forward to this initiative and look forward to working
with the City of Houston and the Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority.”
The art deco Deluxe Theater opened its doors in the spring of 1941. The
auditorium had one screen and 740 seats. The theater operated for 28
years until closing in 1969. From 1971 to 1973, it was used as an art
gallery, first under the sponsorship of the Menil Foundation and later
by Hope Development Inc. It has remained unoccupied since then.
