Kessler Theater

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Kessler Theater
Kessler Theater Oak Cliff September 2016 42 (The Kessler Theater).jpg
Kessler Theater
Kessler Theater
Address1230 W Davis St.
Dallas
Capacity 500
Opened1941
Website
thekessler.org

The Kessler Theater is a historic entertainment venue, originally constructed in 1941, and located in the Winnetka Heights neighborhood of Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas. [1] [2]

Contents

History

The Kessler initially served as a neighborhood movie house, providing entertainment to residents of Oak Cliff and surrounding areas. [3] Gene Autry, who owned several theaters in Oak Cliff, bought it in 1945. [3] A tornado hit the building in 1957, and a fire around 1960 put the theater out of commission. [3]

In 2010, the theatre underwent a major renovation led by preservationist Edwin Cabaniss and musician Jeff Liles, with the goal of restoring its original condition and transforming it into a live music venue. [3] [4] The renovation project received widespread community support and funding from various sources, including private donors and government grants. [5]

Architecture

The Kessler Theater was designed by renowned Dallas architect George Dahl [ citation needed ] and built in the Art Deco style; [2] it features a distinctive marquee, intricate detailing, and an auditorium with a capacity of approximately 400 guests. [6] The interior displays original elements such as ornate moldings, vibrant murals, and a grand stage adorned with velvet curtains.[ citation needed ]

References

  1. ↑ Jones, Preston. "The Secret Sisters' Sparkling Sibling Harmonies Made the Kessler Theater Glow". Dallas Observer. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  2. 1 2 Goodman, Matt (2024-03-11). "For One Night Only, the Kessler Theater Turns Into the Starck Club". D Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Stone, Rachel (2015-10-27). "The Kessler Theater in the 1950s". Oak Cliff. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  4. ↑ Simek, Peter (2010-05-19). "Oak Cliff's Kessler Theater is Back. Now What?". D Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  5. ↑ "Why Oak Cliff's Kessler Theater is attracting the crème de la crème of musical acts". Dallas News. 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  6. ↑ "Save Our Stages: Kessler Theater owner hopes bipartisan relief bill can aid Texas music venues". Dallas News. 2020-07-24. Retrieved 2024-04-14.

32°44′57″N96°50′33″W / 32.7493°N 96.8425°W / 32.7493; -96.8425

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