Forest Theatre, Dallas, Texas
historic place
The Forest Theatre, a historic place in Dallas County, Texas, opened on July 30, 1949. Located on what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, it was built by Karl Hoblitzelle and designed by H. F. Pettigrew. The 1,500-seat theater featured a distinctive neon tower. Initially, it was a segregated venue, serving middle-class white patrons. By 1956, the theater began serving the African American community in South Dallas, a shift influenced by the construction of US 175. It became a vital hub, hosting artists such as Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, B.B. King, and Prince. The Forest Theatre closed in 1965. From 2002 to 2008, recording artist Erykah Badu leased the space, renaming it the Black Forest Theater. Currently, the nonprofit Forest Forward is undertaking a major restoration, with a groundbreaking in April 2024. This project aims to transform the venue into an arts and entertainment hub. The Forest Theatre is a significant cultural landmark in Dallas.