preserve Houston's history

Preservationists stage last-ditch attempt to save historic Houston theatre

Houstonians residing in the Heights, Garden Oaks, and far beyond were thrown into a tizzy last week by the abrupt news that the Garden Oaks Theater had been purchased by commercial developers in a $7.1 million, off-market deal.

Within a matter of days, demolition permits were granted, sewer lines disconnected from the city, and — as of Monday night — construction fencing was placed around the property. Both Preservation Houston and Arthouse Houston, an offshoot of the Friends of River Oaks Theatre, have voiced concerns over the apparent plans to raze the Art Deco building before the community has had time to react to the news.

Built in 1947, the Garden Oaks Theater is one of several post-war Houston theaters designed for the Interstate Circuit by H.F. Pettigrew and John A. Worley of the Dallas firm Pettigrew & Worley, alongside its sister cinema, the River Oaks Theatre. It is a classic example of streamlined Art Deco design — an architectural gem that connects Houston’s everyday streetscape to its cinematic past.

Arthouse Houston has been sitting on preservation plans for the theater for years, waiting for it to be sold by the church that had owned and utilized the building since the 1990s. The 700-plus seat theater, along with its stage, has retained its original architectural details and features throughout the years, save for a short stage extension project carried out by the church.

Developers have not responded to proposals by Arthouse Houston to either buy or lease the movie theater to return it to its original use while simultaneously operating as a community arts center and much needed “third place.”

According to State of Texas records, parties involved include the Heights Equity Trust, Sage Equity Partners, and Heights Investment Fund, LLC. None of these entities have responded to CultureMap’s request for comment about their plans for the property.

Jim Parsons, programs and communications director for Preservation Houston, issued this statement to CultureMap:

“The Garden Oaks Theater and buildings like it give the city a sense of identity. People don't just recognize these places, they remember them. Houston is always changing, but when we treat historic architecture as disposable, we risk losing the landmarks that anchor neighborhoods and give them character.”

Maureen McNamara, Arthouse Houston’s co-founder and director, is hoping that developers took note of the “save the theater” rally that took place at the theater on Sunday, February 15, and may have a change of heart. Coverage of the rally by ABC13 was widely circulated on social media, so it’s unlikely that the developers are unaware of the public outcry to save the theater — and is what likely led to fencing going up only a day later.

“We feel like we’re pretty well poised to step in and help investors to incorporate the theater into a larger project, and the first step is to make sure that we win them over,” McNamara tells CultureMap. “Part of winning them over is making sure they know how much the community cares, and seeing how beautiful and dynamic restoring our historical buildings and theaters can be.”

The restoration of River Oaks Theatre and the attention that project has brought to the area is something McNamara is confident she can replicate.

“There are nonprofit organizations all over the US saving and running historic theaters as community arts centers, and arts and film centers — there are models for this. Austin just did a big push with the Paramount Theatre,” says McNamara. “I’d like for it [Garden Oaks Theater] to exist for its original purpose — at least in part, as a movie theater — with some live theater components as well.”

A petition on change.org has already garnered more than 1,000 signatures. In addition, Arthouse Houston will attend a Houston City Council meeting on Wednesday, February 18, at 9 am to discuss what there is to be done about this situation. McNamara encourages people to join them.

“We would love any help we can get getting people there, signing up to speak if possible — it would be great to have a crowd there.”

Courtesy of Arthouse Houston

Community members rally to preserve the Garden Oaks Theatre.

preservation preservation houston garden oaks

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Texas cruises to the middle of America's best states for drivers 2026

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Texas residents love to debate which cities have the best — and worst — drivers in our own state, but which states boast the best conditions for drivers overall? As it turns out, Texas is only average.

SmartAsset's new study "Best and Worst States for Drivers" ranked states based on auto insurance premiums as a share of annual household income, the price of a 15-gallon tank of gas as a share of weekly household income, traffic fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, and the share of interstate highway pavement rated "good."

Texas ties with Colorado as the 26th best state for drivers. Massachusetts tops the list.

According to the report's findings, 65 percent of Texas' interstate highways are in "good condition," and there are about 1.2 auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled in the state.

Additionally, the cost of a 15-gallon tank of gas in Texas represents 3.47 percent of a resident's median weekly income, and insurance premiums eat up 2.05 percent of earnings, the study calculated.

Considering how much gas prices have soared over the last several months, commuting to work or driving around town is taking a bigger chunk out of Texas residents' wallets than it was before. At least Houstonians have the metro rail to get around downtown, and shuttle services like Shutto or Vonlane for easy traveling to other Texas cities.

"Between loan payments, maintenance, fuel and auto insurance, the cost of owning and operating a vehicle now averages more than $11,000 per year," the report said. "Even as U.S. cities and counties increase investment in public transportation, more than 90% of American households own or lease at least one vehicle."

For comparison, South Dakota has better quality interstate highways than the rest of the nation – at 84 percent – while only 15 percent of Hawaii's highways are in good condition. Rhode Island has the lowest auto fatality rate in the U.S. at 0.5 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, and West Virginia has the highest auto fatality rate at 1.6 deaths.

After Massachusetts, the remaining top 10 best states for drivers are Minnesota (No. 2); New Jersey and North Dakota (tied for No. 3); Utah (No. 5); Connecticut (No. 6); New Hampshire (No. 7); Wisconsin (No. 8); and Indiana and South Dakota (tied for No. 9).

You might want to pump the brakes in the 10 worst states for drivers: Louisiana (No. 50); Mississippi (No. 49); Hawaii and West Virginia (tied for No. 47); Montana (No. 46); Arizona and Oregon (tied for No. 44); Maine (No. 43); New Mexico (No. 42); and Arkansas (No. 41).

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