“We have enough money, including the pledges, to close on the property,” Arthouse Houston Assistant Director Ian Druke said. “We didn’t make our $3.1 million goal, but we do have enough to close, and we’re going to move forward.”
Arthouse Houston began raising funds to buy the building in February after a Heights-area development corporation purchased it, destining it for demolition. The art-deco theater opened in 1947 and is one of the few theaters of that era remaining in Houston. The city has lost several in recent years, including the Granada Theater on Jersey Drive. However, River Oaks Theatre on West Gray has become a blueprint for the preservation and continued operation of these historic places.
According to a Monday news release, Arthouse Houston was about $400,000 short of its $3.1 million goal to cover the down payment and carrying costs. They’re now calling on all pledges to send in their funds.
“As long as people come through, there will be no demolition,” Druke said.
“We’re as close as we’ve ever been to making this actually happen, but we haven’t signed the contract yet,” Druke said. “We don’t have all the money in yet; we’re nervous, but very, very excited, and think this is going to be a really great thing for the city, for artists, for filmmakers.”
The group hopes to reopen Garden Oaks Theater, at 3732 N. Shepherd Dr., in Spring 2028, both as a theater and “home base” for the arts, perhaps as post-production studio space, educational spaces, and more.
Druke says it would also mark a “rare victory” for Houston in preserving its history.
“Most of our historic theaters are either demolished, sit vacant, or are Trader Joe’s, or something like that,” Druke said. “It would be an incredible thing to have, you know, the space actually used as a cinema again.”
But Druke emphasized that after closing, there is still a need for support if Houston wants to see Garden Oaks Theater continue.
“This is a journey that’s going to take time and a lot more money,” Druke said. “We’re not asking everyone who gave to keep giving at the level they’ve been giving, but this is going to be an ongoing thing that needs your attention and passion.”
