Protest Planned to Save Historic Garden Oaks Theater in Houston

Arthouse Houston organizes demonstration to prevent demolition of 80-year-old Art Deco theater

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Preservationists in Houston are planning a protest on Sunday to try and save the nearly 80-year-old Garden Oaks Theater, which was recently sold by Grace Church to a local investment firm. The theater, which features a classic Art Deco design, has been an important community gathering space for decades, but now faces the threat of demolition. Arthouse Houston, a non-profit that previously helped save the River Oaks Theatre, is leading the effort to preserve the Garden Oaks and convert it into a community arts and film center.

Why it matters

The potential demolition of the Garden Oaks Theater comes on the heels of the recent destruction of other historic theaters in the Houston area, raising concerns about the city's commitment to preserving its architectural and cultural heritage. The Garden Oaks is seen as an iconic anchor for the local community, and its loss would be a blow to the neighborhood.

The details

The Garden Oaks Theater, located at 3732 N. Shepherd, opened in 1947 and was designed in the classic Art Deco style by architects H.F. Pettigrew and John A. Worley. The theater was occupied by Grace Church from 2008 until it was sold to Heights Investment Fund for $7.1 million in October 2025. Arthouse Houston, a non-profit that previously led the successful effort to save the River Oaks Theatre, is now organizing a protest on Sunday to try and prevent the demolition of the Garden Oaks and instead convert it into a community arts and film center.

  • The Garden Oaks Theater opened in 1947.
  • Grace Church occupied the theater from 2008 until it was sold in October 2025.
  • The protest organized by Arthouse Houston is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Arthouse Houston

A non-profit organization that was formed after the closing of the River Oaks Theatre and is now leading the effort to save the Garden Oaks Theater.

Heights Investment Fund

The investment firm that purchased the Garden Oaks Theater from Grace Church for $7.1 million in October 2025.

Grace Church

The church that occupied the Garden Oaks Theater from 2008 until it was sold in 2025.

H.F. Pettigrew and John A. Worley

The architects who designed the Garden Oaks Theater in the classic Art Deco style in 1947.

John Whitmire

The mayor of Houston.

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What they’re saying

“The Garden Oaks has been an important community gathering space for almost 80 years and an iconic anchor for the area!”

— Arthouse Houston (Press release)

What’s next

Arthouse Houston is requesting that supporters write to Mayor John Whitmire's office, call city officials, and ask the Heights Investment Fund to consider selling or leasing the theater to Arthouse Houston so that it can be preserved, renovated, and converted into a community arts and film center.

The takeaway

The potential demolition of the historic Garden Oaks Theater highlights the ongoing challenge of preserving Houston's architectural and cultural heritage in the face of development pressures. The community-led effort to save this iconic Art Deco theater reflects the deep attachment residents feel towards their local landmarks and the importance of grassroots activism in protecting them.