The Heights Theater At 339 W. 19th St.

[mkultra25]

They should try and model after River Oaks Theatre

 

I have no doubt that with the right person overseeing programming, the Heights could be a viable theater once again if the parking obstacle could be overcome. That, and as mentioned, a big bag of cash. It would not be cheap to retrofit all the required theatrical accoutrements, starting with $60-100K for a digital projection setup. The bigger obstacle is that it's very, very hard to make the economics of a single-screen theater work anymore - even the River Oaks had to eventually wall off and twin the balcony to make three screens. I could almost see a mix of current fare and an offbeat repertory program working there if the community involvement were strong enough to support it, maybe something like the New Beverly in LA or the Aero in Santa Monica. Of course, the obvious match would be for the Alamo Drafthouse folks to take it over as the latest jewel in the regional theatrical empire they've built. 

[s3mh]

The Kaldi Cafe previously occupied the space Shade is currently in.

 

I am feeling old now.  I do remember Kaldi.  They were the first to try to get a private club license in the Heights when they went from a coffee house to serving dinner.

 

Boomtown used to be a Persian Rug store.  They built out a kitchen and changed the use, but there are no Boomtown parking spaces anywhere.  And I think Gelazzi also got some sort of grandfathering on parking even though the prior use was not a restaurant.  There is no parking lot for Gelazzi. 

 

Of course, given the recent history of off-street parking wars in the Heights, it would be highly unlikely that redevelopment of the old theater would get any sympathy from the City parking overlords.

 

I do not see how anyone could make a go of it with a movie theater on a for profit basis.  It would take a big time philanthropist to drop some serious money to buy it and set up a non-profit to run it as a arthouse/repertory cinema.  That would be amazing, but the folks with that kind of money like to have buildings named after them at colleges and hospitals.  You are not going to see the Houston Heights Kinder Theater anytime soon.

[Angostura]

Both Boomtown and Gelazzi are tenants in larger buildings.

 

I'm generally in favor of blanket amnesty on parking minimums, but in order to make a go of it as a 900-seat theater, the owner would have to deal with the issue somehow. For example, the River Oaks theater has the benefit of the multi-story garage across the street.

[mkultra25]

I do not see how anyone could make a go of it with a movie theater on a for profit basis.  It would take a big time philanthropist to drop some serious money to buy it and set up a non-profit to run it as a arthouse/repertory cinema.  That would be amazing, but the folks with that kind of money like to have buildings named after them at colleges and hospitals.  You are not going to see the Houston Heights Kinder Theater anytime soon.

 

Of the two examples I cited, the Aero is part of the American Cinematheque, which is a 501©3 non-profit, and the New Bev building is owned by Quentin Tarantino, who also recently assumed control of the programming (he has a large collection of 35mm film prints). So, yeah, a non-profit structure, a benevolent, deep-pocketed film lover, or both would probably be the only viable path forward. I wouldn't expect to see the Houston Heights Kinder Theater either, but you never know - Lynn Wyatt is the founding chair of the MFAH's Film Committee and a longtime MFAH Films supporter. 

[mkultra25]

I'm generally in favor of blanket amnesty on parking minimums, but in order to make a go of it as a 900-seat theater, the owner would have to deal with the issue somehow. For example, the River Oaks theater has the benefit of the multi-story garage across the street.

 

The garage is a relatively recent addition to the area, and the River Oaks managed to get along without a serious parking crunch for a long time prior to its construction. But, point taken, even without the garage the River Oaks Shopping Center and its immediate environs had quite a bit more parking available than 19th Street does now.

 

I also don't think 900 seats would be feasible in a reconfigured setting, even though the theater originally seated 950. The River Oaks is bigger, and it has just under 800 seats, with 250 of those in the two balcony screening rooms. I'm not sure how many people on average the weddings and other events held at the Heights currently attract, but the larger events are easily capable of filling up all of the available parking spaces on 19th between Ashland and Rutland. As long as the theater restricted itself to evening programs, parking might be manageable, but there's no way matinee programs could coexist with the average weekday and weekend traffic generated by the shops on 19th. 

[s3mh]

http://www.theleadernews.com/index.php/heights-theater-to-be-sold-for-nearly-2-million/

 

It will be very interesting to see what happens.  Glad to see the Koprivas trying to be as vigilant as possible to preserve all the great work they did restoring the old theater.  

[BullMan008]

We should all thank these folks for wanting to preserve such history. I passed by the new condos on Yale and 6th, that had a huge HEIGHTS sign on the corner. That building on Yale  isnt anything 'Heights' besides its location. 

[s3mh]

For what it is worth, the Heights Theater got a landmark designation from the City at the last HAHC meeting. 

[s3mh]

Chronicle story says that it will become a music venue.

[Angostura]

Chronicle story says that it will become a music venue.

 

 

Link.

 

Pretty short on details.

[Houston19514]

Link.

 

Pretty short on details.

 

Isn't that the Chronicle's official motto?

[Angostura]

More details on purchase of Heights Theater for potential music venue.

[Angostura]

First step should come as no surprise: 

 

 

 

 

“Our first test will be Aug. 20 when we have a meeting with the Planning Commission to share with them our vision and secure our parking variance request,” Cabaniss said. “One of the challenges you face with any historic property is parking, and having the landmark designation allows us to work with the city and get some relief on the parking requirements. The protection status isn’t detrimental at all, even from a business standpoint – besides, what interests me is the preservation of the building itself.”

 

 

Landmarks are entitled to a 40% reduction in parking minimums, which translates to one space for every 5 seats.

 

 

Should the parking variance be granted, Cabaniss said he anticipates putting a shovel in the ground as early as September or October but hesitated on giving a timeline on finishing the project.

 

 

Indication in this story is that the deal is contingent on getting a parking variance.

Edited August 4, 2015 by Angostura

[s3mh]

The application for reduced parking variance is up on the DRC website (plat tracker).  I stink at computers and cannot figure out how to post it on this forum, but others will hopefully do that. 

 

They are planning a theater with 186 lower level seats and 114 upper level seats.  There will be a bar on both the lower and upper levels, which raises the issue of the dry restrictions/private club license.  They will put in 16 spaces in the vacant lot right next to the theater.  They will also lease parking by the dentist office down the street.  they calculate that they are required to have 100 parking space for a 300 seat theater.  They get a 40% reduction due to landmark status.  They get another reduction of 6 spaces for bike racks, which are much needed on 19th street anyway.  That leaves them at 54 spaces required.  They are seeking a reduction to 45. 

 

19th St. no longer looks like a ghost town after 7 pm.  Torchy's packs them in at an alarming rate.  Heights General Store and Shade do a good business.  People going to a show at the new theater will need parking in addition to the existing on street parking on 19th street.  But, there are a couple of big surface lots at the intersection of Ashland and 20th for the hospital and medical office building behind it.  Those lots clear out at 6 pm and become de facto 19th overflow parking.  The owners of those lots could probably make a few bucks charging for event parking when the theater has shows on busy nights on 19th street.  Thus, I do not see much of a problem with parking for the proposed theater. 

 

I have not seen much in the way of opposition from near by land owners, but I am sure a few will show up to squawk.  It will be interesting to see whether the planning commission will continue to be ruthless in the application of the parking minimums for this one. 

[BigFootsSocks]

I don't think there will be any licensing restrictions for the bars; the Torchy's across the street is the first location to have a full service bar.

[s3mh]

I don't think there will be any licensing restrictions for the bars; the Torchy's across the street is the first location to have a full service bar.

 

Torchy's is a private club.  They swipe your driver's license when you get booze (at least when the poorly trained staff remembers to do that).  The Heights theater is squarely in the dry zone.

 

Private club license requires that the club have adequate food service for its members.  Down House, Shade, and Torchy's are easily able to meet that as they are primarily restaurants.  I have never seen anyone try to pull that off with an entertainment venue.  The floor plan shown in the variance application does have space for a kitchen.  So, I guess they are aware of the issue and are going to offer some sort of food service.  But how does a theater have adequate food service for the 300 people who show up to watch a band?

[BigFootsSocks]

I was not aware of that!

[mollusk]

Welcome to another way that the Heights shows itself to be old school Texas.  We didn't have liquor by the drink anywhere until the early 70s - it was private clubs only, statewide.

[Angostura]

Torchy's is a private club.  They swipe your driver's license when you get booze (at least when the poorly trained staff remembers to do that).  The Heights theater is squarely in the dry zone.

 

Private club license requires that the club have adequate food service for its members.  Down House, Shade, and Torchy's are easily able to meet that as they are primarily restaurants.  I have never seen anyone try to pull that off with an entertainment venue.  The floor plan shown in the variance application does have space for a kitchen.  So, I guess they are aware of the issue and are going to offer some sort of food service.  But how does a theater have adequate food service for the 300 people who show up to watch a band?

 

A private club license merely requires that the establishment offer meals. In theory it could be sandwiches from a vending machine.

[Angostura]

BTW, parking variance appears to have been approved unanimously last week. Video here. Whole thing took less than 5 minutes.

[s3mh]

A private club license merely requires that the establishment offer meals. In theory it could be sandwiches from a vending machine.

(g) The club must provide regular food service adequate for its members and their guests.

 

TABC probably would not look into whether the food service was "adequate" unless the application was a complete joke as far as making a good faith effort to comply with the regulation. But when neighbors start complaining, the food service issue could be a pretext to get the permit denied. I believe with Gelazzi, parking was argued as a basis for denying the license. I do not know whether it was outcome determinative, but I would not want to risk it if it was my money backing the theater.

 

Good to see that the planning commission did the right thing. There is hope in this city after all.

[Angostura]

Arguably Gelazzi falls short of the requirement unless they serve something beyond ice cream.

 

That said, even without the requirements for private club licenses, it's not at all uncommon for venues of this size to offer food (such as it is) as well as drinks. I'd imagine some of the shows could be set up cabaret-style.

[cspwal]

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/10/historic-heights-theater-gets-a-new-owner.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_houston+%28Houston+Business+Journal%29

 

 

 

Cabaniss, who is known for redeveloping the Kessler Theater in Dallas, plans to reopen the storied Heights theater by mid-2016 and will host various events, such as concerts, weddings, and art openings, at the property.

 

[Mab]

 

 

The red-and-white Art Moderne sign outside the Heights Theater has been a constant on 19th Street since not long after the theater opened in 1929. Inside the mostly gutted space, only a bulky projector, red marquee letters stored away, and parts of the patchwork floor and its partially charred walls are original.

Since it screened its first silent western for 20 cents a ticket, the theater has served as a movie house, event space, antique store and art gallery. Now, construction crews will soon begin work to bring the Heights Theater into its next phase.

Under the ownership of entrepreneur Edwin Cabaniss, the building on a buzzing strip of the Heights will put on concerts, screen independent films and hold community events, such as poetry readings and weddings.

Cabaniss had his eye on the building for several years as he searched for a historic renovation project. He is known for reopening the Kessler Theater in an up-and-coming Dallas neighborhood, Oak Cliff, in 2010 after a $1 million renovation. He turned the art deco movie house into a similar concept he envisions for the Heights space.

"You've got this building that is kind of a blank canvas," he said. "You can feel the warmth, the historical vibe. It's definitely not a country club."

The Kessler was Cabaniss' first major commercial historic renovation project after he spent decades as a trader, stockbroker and investment management consultant in Dallas and New York City. He retired early and began taking on small historic renovation projects, such as small houses in Dallas, before he purchased the Kessler, which made its debut in 1942 as a single-screen movie theater. The renovated art deco theater opened in 2010 and has been attracting musical acts such as Hayes Carll, Billy Joe Shaver, Radney Foster and Slaid Cleaves.

Cabaniss, who lives in Dallas, began looking for his next project after the success of the Kessler two or three years ago, he said. He studied Austin, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Houston. He thought the Heights Theater was so perfect, he visited the current owners, who were not ready to sell at the time.

"When I came across 19th Street I said, 'Wow, this is it,' " he said.

His search continued until earlier this year. Cabaniss was on a trip in Ireland with his wife. The news hit his email: The building was up for sale, it wasn't being listed, and there were already five competitive offers on the table. He immediately fired off emails to get more information.

Owners Gus and Sharon Kopriva had operated the space as an art gallery and event space for 25 years. The couple sought the landmark status to make sure the property was protected before it was sold.

"The theater has always been an icon of the Heights," Kopriva told the Chronicle earlier this year. "It was important to us to make sure it was preserved."

Cabaniss gulped when he saw the asking price, which he declined to share because of a nondisclosure agreement.

In addition to a competitive bid, Cabaniss thought he would let the owners know what he planned for the space. He hoped his passion for the building and for historic renovation would give him an edge. He guessed the couple wouldn't want their beloved space to become a commercialized property.

"I took a gamble. I assumed that these people had the same kind of kindred spirit I had. They are artisans who didn't want to see it as a commercialized storefront," he said.

His original draft to the couple was five pages long. He edited that down to a one-page letter listing his promises for the space. He said he was committed to preservation, to community and to excellence.

"I understand the special role that a historic theater can have not only in commemorating the past but also in being part of the future of a neighborhood," Cabaniss wrote. "I will take time to introduce myself to community members and civic leaders, to get to know them and what's important to the neighborhood."

Cabaniss envisions the Heights Theater, like the Kessler, holding events ranging from concerts and plays to weddings, memorial services and fundraisers. He's already had a social hour with his new neighbors at a restaurant on 19th.

Mark Austin, manager of several local acts including The Tontons and the Suffers, is helping Cabaniss navigate the local music scene as a consultant. He's been helping post videos of local artists over the last few months playing in the yet-to-be-completed space, a nod to the new owner's hope to incorporate the local music scene. He said some artists prefer spaces like the Kessler and the Heights Theater, with acoustics and a more intimate feel.

"This street is dead at night. And now there will be something new and open at night," Austin said. "Can you imagine living near here? It's going to be cool."

The multimillion-dollar project will include gutting much of the space. Cabaniss is working through the state's historic tax credit process, which requires him to dig into the history of the space. He will be required to maintain original elements of the interior, such as the floor and the walls. Most of the space inside will be gutted and rebuilt to look like a theater. The exterior, including the sign, will remain as is. As a city landmark, the Heights Theater will receive a tax abatement for 15 years.

He said char marks on the walls pay homage to the events leading up to a 1960s-era arson that followed protests over "adult movies" that were shown at the time. The Spanish-tile floor shows the original design as Mission-style and the projector resting in the middle of the space will be displayed in some capacity as a reminder of the theater's original use.

"The history of this place is what makes it special," Cabaniss said. "I see this opportunity in Houston. I feel like it's going to work."

 

The space should be open by next fall.

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/A-new-vision-for-vintage-Heights-Theater-building-6723919.php#photo-9170958

[Visitor]

Was walking by and doors were ajar, snapped a quick pic...

[s3mh]

Tonight is opening night.  Programming basically mirrors what the owner offers at his Kessler theater in Oak Cliff.  It will be interesting to see if programming stays that way or whether it evolves to offer anything family friendly or outside of the folk/blues/indy rock that seems to be their wheelhouse.  

[mkultra25]

I've got tickets to A John Waters Christmas. I suppose whether that's considered "family friendly" or not depends on your family. 

[Materene]

I wonder if there is still a lingering smell from the stink bomb that was thrown in the theater in 58, it made the perfect setting for watching a couple monster movies back then.  There was once a seedy pool hall just a couple doors down towards the west, and back the opposite direction there was a large 5 and dime store same side of the street.  I could find a heck of a lot of junk to buy for a quarter in those days  '0)