Texas Theater to transition its business model

Texas Theater owner Jon Garrett announced this weekend that the historic venue, which is located on the courthouse square in downtown Waxahachie, will be transitioning to private and community event rentals.

“While we understand it’s not favorable to discontinue ticketed concerts, it isn’t a sustainable business model,” he wrote in a post on the theater’s official Facebook page and in which he emphasized the downtown fixture “is not closing.”

“The theater plays a vital role in our community and will continue to do so for years to come,” wrote Garrett, who acquired the two-story building in 2022 after it had sat for almost a decade in disuse and disrepair. “We are actively searching for experienced parties to lease the space if they have resources to sustain that venue model.

“Until that time, we will continue maintaining the facility to the highest standards and serving our community through private events,” he wrote. “We appreciate all of our staff and the community for the support and look forward to continue playing our part in Downtown Waxahachie.”

The 250-seat Texas Theater, located at 110 W. Main St., has been a longtime fixture on the courthouse square’s north side. First built in 1895, the building’s past includes several iterations as a theater/movie house and other businesses while also surviving several fires en route to its purchase by Jon and Alyssa Garrett of Waxahachie. The couple lovingly oversaw the renovation of the historic building to reflect the height of its art deco days.

The majority of people responding to the Facebook post expressed their appreciation and support for the Garretts’ renovation and continued ownership.

“I’m saddened to hear this news, but so grateful and appreciative for your commitment and beautiful restoration of this jewel on the square. For Waxahachie and for Texas. Seemed like the perfect use for it. Wishing you the best going forward,” Susan Dailey Schweiker commented.

Also commenting were Ellis County Commissioner Lane Grayson, who wrote, “Thank you for your incredible investment and commitment to downtown and this community,” and Melissa Baird Chapman, who wrote, “Thank you for taking care of this Waxahachie treasure!”

You can watch a short YouTube video of the history of the Texas Theater here and visit its website at https://thetxtheater.com/.

Written by Jo Ann Livingston/ITKE.