Kessler Theater

1230 W. Davis Street,
Dallas, TX 75208

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Related Websites

Kessler Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Functions: Concerts, Live Performances

Styles: Art Deco

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 214.924.0725

Nearby Theaters

Kessler©...Dallas Texas

The Kessler Theater was opened in spring of 1942, and was taken over by Gene Autry in 1947. It closed in the 1950’s. It was hit by a tornado on April 2, 1957. I’m not sure if that caused it to close or was it already closed prior to that date. The auditorium received some damage from the tornado.

At some point the building was used as a church. In around 1998, the building was purchased with the intention of converting it to a restaurant and/or retail stores, but due to restrictive parking codes, the building remained vacant.

It was restored and reopened in March 2010 as a live performance theatre.

Contributed by Lost Memory

Recent comments (view all 12 comments)

Bob Johnston
Bob Johnston on June 19, 2006 at 9:54 am

Kessler Theaterâ€"1230 W. Davis
• Owned by Gene Autry Enterprises.
• Opened 1947
• 1957â€"Revival Center damaged by tornado
• 1962â€"Revival Center destroyed by 3-alarm fire

Source: Dallas Morning News Archive

Don Lewis
Don Lewis on February 2, 2009 at 2:22 pm

A 1940s movie ad for the Kessler Theater in Dallas.

eddiec19
eddiec19 on November 7, 2009 at 4:11 pm

The Kessler was purchased by a local family in 2009 and is undergoing a rennovation.

View link

Deuce76063
Deuce76063 on July 19, 2010 at 5:08 pm

The Kessler was designed by Raymond F. Smith, who was my Grandfather. View link

This expands on the previous posts some.

It makes me proud to see some of his work being saved after so many have crumbled and been demolished.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on March 12, 2011 at 10:49 am

An article about the Kessler, especially in its current role as a “creative agora”: View link.

Driveintheatre2001
Driveintheatre2001 on June 11, 2011 at 10:21 am

Hey Chuck1231 & all. I just posted a new, updated photo of the Kessler Theatre! This Theatre sure looks great! Enjoy.. RAC Photography … Photo seen here:. http://www.flickr.com/photos/racphotography/5790250933 ..

Driveintheatre2001
Driveintheatre2001 on January 17, 2012 at 9:47 pm

Oh My. Thank You (Chuck1231)!! I so appreciate the compliment.. Randy

dfwcre8tive
dfwcre8tive on December 28, 2012 at 12:43 pm

A new neon sign with marquee was installed today, completing restoration of this theater. Story: http://oakcliffblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/next-up-at-oak-cliffs-kessler-theater-new-signs-new-lights.html/ Photo: https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/256674_4992421169372_504148639_o.jpg

Patsy
Patsy on May 6, 2023 at 9:53 am

Link not found in November 7, 2009 post re: local family purchase of the theatre.

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