The following article is published through the courtesy of Texas Historical Commission’s Medallion Magazine, Winter 2022 issue (thc.texas.gov). It names Garland’s Plaza Theater as a midcentury masterpiece theater.
Post-World War II Dallas was electric—the suburbs sprawled, and neon signs crackled on the marquees of new theaters. Victorian movie houses were passé; residents were now enticed by sleek, colorful and sophisticated structures. Midcentury Modern movie theaters were just the ticket.
Established neighborhoods such as Oak Cliff, Lower Greenville, and University Park were expanding and thriving, while outer-edge communities like Garland were growing into their own cities. The Plaza Theater in Garland represented the Metroplex’s suburban shift—its Atomic Age neon spire served as a beacon to newly prosperous residents seeking a night of entertainment in a contemporary environment.
“The ambience of the structure is what makes it so special,” says Michelle Norris, Garland’s assistant director of cultural arts. “It reminds people about historic theaters and how the design can enhance the experience of attending a movie or show. We’re glad we can keep those memories going at the Plaza.”
Occupying a prominent corner of Garland’s downtown square, the building started as a hardware store in 1918 before it burned; it was reconstructed as a theater in 1941. Ten years later, its simple green facade was scrapped in favor of the current appearance, featuring stacked neon circles surrounding the venue’s name topped with an illuminated ball.
Like many American theaters, the Plaza lost customers and revenue to malls and multiplexes in the 1970s, although it hosted local country bands on its stage in the 1980s. By 1991, the roof fell into disrepair and the building was donated to the City of Garland, which coordinated planning and fundraising for its grand reopening in 2001. Since then, the 350-seat venue has been hosting movies and community theater performances.
“When I first saw this place, I was blown away,” says maintenance supervisor Markeef Fluellen, who has worked at the theater for nearly two decades. “It’s a big deal to have a nice place like this in our town—it’s a sensational experience going to a historic theater.”
Additional area theaters mentioned in the article are:
KESSLER THEATER – Dallas
TEXAS THEATER – Oak Cliff
GRANADA THEATER – Lower Greenville
INWOOD THEATRE – Northern Dallas