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Historic Theater Renovation & Restoration Fund

 

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Save the Garden Oaks Theater: Our Final Countdown


We are one big step closer to saving a masterpiece. On February 27, 2026, Arthouse Houston entered into a contract to purchase the historic Garden Oaks Theater. As the sister to the River Oaks Theatre, this Art Deco landmark is one of the last of its kind in Houston.

The stakes are high: we must raise $7.1 million to close on the contract within 30 days. Failure to reach this goal will result in the immediate demolition of the theater. To meet this challenge, we are seeking two types of donors to join our preservation mission:

 

1. Angel Savers (Immediate Funding Needed)
Whether it's $10 or $10,000, every donation directly funds the $7.1M acquisition goal. These donors provide the "front-line" capital required right now toward the three deposits creditable to the closing costs. These contributions are dedicated to the preservation effort and are non-refundable.

The donations may cover:

  • Contract Deposits: Non-refundable payments required to delay demolition and hold the purchase contract.

  • Due Diligence: Costs for the National Historic Designation application.

  • Asset Protection: Immediate repairs, including roof patching and security systems to protect the theater from theft and weather damage.

 

2. Pledge Partners (Closing Support)
Pledges can be initiated at $1,000 to $7M and are commitments that are only called upon if we successfully close on the acquisition. These pledges are vital now, as they allow us to secure the necessary bridge loans with lenders to finalize the purchase.

Current pledges are for Phase I: The purchase of the 2.3-acre property, which includes the historic theater. Phase II will encompass additional renovations and restoration, including the historic marquee. The current Phase II fundraising goal estimate is $6M.

Please click this link or email taylors@arthousehtx.org to request a pledge form from Arthouse Houston. You will be sent a form via DocuSign.

 

The Timeline

  1. FEBRUARY 27, 2026 ARTHOUSE HOUSTON SIGNS CONTRACT WITH DEVELOPER TO DELAY DEMOLITION AND PURCHASE THE THEATER; PAYS INITIAL DEPOSIT ($130k)

  2. MARCH 22, 2026 - First earnest money deposit extension required ($25k).

  3. APRIL 21, 2026 - Second earnest money deposit extension required ($25k).

  4. MAY 26, 2026 - MANDATORY CLOSING DATE ($6.9M); MISSED CLOSING RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE DEMOLITION

  5. JUNE TO DECEMBER 2026 - Architectural and engineering plans developed for restoration, historical designations, and fundraising.

  6. JANUARY 2027 TO MARCH 2028 - Restoration of the theater; development of programming and operating agreements with non-profit partners.

  7. APRIL 2028 - Full reopening of the Garden Oaks Theater as a cinematic hub in Houston.

 

To donate via Zelle, bank transfer, or check, or to discuss In-Kind gifts, please contact us at info@arthousehtx.org. Thank you for acting now to save our history.

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Donations by mail:
If you prefer to donate by mail, please make checks payable to Arthouse Houston and send them to:


Arthouse Houston
C/O Maureen McNamara
301 Welch St
Houston, TX 77006

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By donating, I acknowledge that I am making a charitable contribution to Friends of River Oaks Theatre, Inc, dba Arthouse Houston, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.  Arthouse Houston shall use said contribution specifically towards preservation efforts of the Garden Oaks Theater, including costs and expenses associated with: (i) delaying demolition of the Garden Oaks Theater pending negotiations with Arthouse Houston, (ii) professional fees to investigate or close on a potential acquisition of the Garden Oaks Theater, (iii) option fees, earnest money deposits, and/or acquisition costs for the Garden Oaks Theater.  I understand that my contribution does not guarantee that Arthouse Houston will successfully acquire the Garden Oaks Theater, and if, despite its commercial best efforts, Arthouse Houston is unable to acquire the Garden Oaks Theater, I shall not be entitled to a refund of any amounts contributed to this fund.  This donation shall be tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.