Ridglea Theatre, Fort Worth, Texas
historic place
The Ridglea Theatre, a historic place in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, was built in 1947 by architect A.C. Luther. It officially opened its doors in December 1950, primarily under the ownership of the Interstate theater chain. The first film shown there was 'Pretty Baby.' The theatre showcases a Mission/Spanish Revival facade with a distinctive 70-foot stone tower. Its architectural style is also recognized as Art Deco. Inside, visitors can observe an original terrazzo tile floor featuring a compass rose and a panoramic mural by artist Eugene Gilboe. The Ridglea Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 30, 2011. Over its history, it transitioned from a single-screen movie house to a multi-screen venue, and later became a concert hall. This site remains a significant example of Fort Worth's architectural heritage and its evolving role in community entertainment.