Elizabeth Wattley passed the Forest Theater daily when she was in school. It was a staple in the community, and Wattley knew it was important.
“This building has always been part of my life,” said Wattley. “I was always driven by it and felt like there was something here. Some kind of energy. “
She knows the story and heard the stories of her father, who in 1959 saw the film Imitation of Life on the balcony of the then separate theater. Today Wattley is President and CEO of Forest Forward and leads the initiative to revitalize the Forest Theater.
On Thursday, Forest Forward announced its plans to preserve the historic space and create a cultural hub in South Dallas. The team plans to add elements of arts education such as an exercise room, podcasting room and recording booth. There will also be a coffee shop and the first rooftop bar in South Dallas.
“I see this room as a place to spend all day,” said Ashley Wilson, director of strategic partnerships.
Attendees during the Forest Forward plans unveiling ceremony for Forest Forward in Dallas on Friday,(Lola Gomez / photographer)
Wilson said she looked forward to having a safe place for entertainment in this community and that it was important to bring arts education to South Dallas.
“This place focuses on the community and their needs and wants,” said Wilson. “We took the time to really listen to the community and really create better opportunities and equity.”
Although the pandemic could undo Forest Forward’s plans, the target reopening date for the Forest Theater will be 2024, the 75th anniversary of its opening.
The Forest Theater opened in 1949 and served a mainly Jewish population living in South Dallas. It began serving blacks in the 1950s after white flight changed the area’s demographics and it became a cultural hub. Over the decades, however, the theater lost its importance and could not be brought back to life.
Forest Forward acquired the property in 2017 with the aim of restoring and reclaiming the space. Wattley said the rejuvenated Forest Theater represents opportunity and economic growth in South Dallas.
“It’s exciting to be part of something that serves the community in such an important way,” she said. “It’s a real feeling of recovery, and it’s something that is open and accessible to everyone.
In addition to the theater itself, Forest Forward hopes to have a bigger plan to revitalize the neighborhood in the area, including mixed-income housing nearby. Wattley said one of the keys to economic growth in the area is promoting greater population density.
Forest Forward is now aiming to raise $ 75.215 million related to the South Dallas Area Code 75215 for the Forest Theater renovation. Donations can be made at https://www.forestforward.com/donation-form/.
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