Mata*Garcia Architects LLP has been working closely with Harlingen's Alliance for Hispanic Art and Culture, a group committed to the promotion of the city of Harlingen as an arts and cultural destination, for the past year in the creation of a multicultural arts district, of which the Grande Theater would serve as the primary home of the CineSol Film Festival, staging of one-man shows and arts lecture series.
The Grande Theater is located in the vicinity of the original Harlingen townsite, at the intersection of Harrison and "D" Streets, just west of downtown. It is a major focal point in the La Placita district, one of Harlingen's most historical neighborhoods.
In 1933, a theater company by the name of Texas Consolidated Theaters was formed as part of the Paramount Pictures Circuit. The Grande Theater, along with The Rialto and The Strand theaters, was one of over 150 theaters within the Texas circuit in the mid 1940's. Opening in 1942, the Grande's primary attractions were spanish language films, with plays and talent shows being presented between film screenings. Freddy Fender was one performer who played here as a teenager before he found stardom.
Once a central part of social life in the community, the Grande Theater fell victim to home entertainment systems and closed its doors in 1989. The restoration of the Grande Theater is part of AfHAC's task to fulfill a part of the long term vision to revitalize Gutierrez Park and the creation of Harlingen's Multi-cultural Arts District - a part of Mayor Boswell's "100 Plan." The goal of our study was to conduct a survey of the existing facility and determine the feasibility of renovation and the establishment of a multi-functional center for the arts and cultural education.
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The exterior concept preserves the original design of the facade, yet updates its character with subtle contemporary details.
A contemporary luminaria sculpture serves as a beacon for the Grande Theater - a cultural arts destination.
View of stage/screen from balcony.
View of theater seating. Classic movie posters silk-screened onto acoustical panels.
The proposed floor plan keeps the basic movie theater layout, but contains enhancements to make the theater experience more enjoyable. The lobby contains an expanded concession area, restrooms have been relocated to a side property and the former location converted to storage, a courtyard has been created to expand holding areas during show intermissions, the stage has been expanded to accommodate one-man plays, music recitals and arts lecture series, and ADA access is now available to all areas of the theater.
Fundraising is currently underway, with the goal of construction commencing in 2012.
