Uptown Theatre

Grand Prairie, Texas

Killis Almond Architects, PC rehabilitated a 1950’s movie house into a modern day live performance hall with a larger lobby space, black box theatre and support facilities. We approached the project with a desire to create an environment that would allow many diverse groups to come together in a space designed specifically around live performance presentations and that would serve as a meeting place for the community.

The historic entry, with its blade sign and marquee, has been restored to its original glory. The secondary and black box entries are highlighted with dynamic architectural elements that celebrate the rebirth of the theater. Dealing with space limitations, strict program and technical requirements inside the building envelope, Killis Almond Architects, PC used basic architectural forms with vivacious finishes, while keeping some of the existing elements as a backdrop, to create the new center.

Since its grand opening in November 2008, the building immediately began to serve as the venue for local community events and live performances. The Uptown Theater Performing Arts Centre stands as the inaugural structure of what the old downtown of Grand Prairie will soon become.