Perot family donates $1M to Forest Forward

By Becky Mayad

Taking a giant step toward growth and prosperity in South Dallas, leaders from the nonprofit Forest Forward and members of the community gathered this past week to break ground on the historic 75-year-old Forest Theater, marking the start of major renovations and an expansion to the iconic landmark. 

A proud beacon of hope in sunny South Dallas for decades, the Forest Theater was known in its heyday as a mecca of art, music and community gatherings. Opened in 1949, it was a treasured hub that welcomed legendary artists such as Tina Turner, Prince, Sidney Poitier and Gladys Knight & the Pips. 

“Today’s groundbreaking at the Forest Theater symbolizes community partnership and collaboration at its very best — because when we come together to work toward a common vision, we are unstoppable,” Elizabeth Wattley, president and CEO of Forest Forward, said. “A project of this magnitude cannot be done alone but will only thrive with the buy-in and support from the entire community.”

Cheered on by a crowd of more than 700 attending the groundbreaking block party, leaders pledged to return the iconic Forest Theater to its glory but also to make it an anchor for a massive revitalization program for South Dallas. The Forest Forward vision includes re-establishing the theater as a thriving neighborhood anchor and versatile arts center, creating cradle-to-college education pathways with Dallas ISD through the formation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy, and developing mixed-income housing surrounding the theater.

A highlight of the evening came as Wattley announced that Margo Perot and her family had donated $1 million to the Forest Forward initiative.

The theater’s renovation is an integral part of Phase I of a $75.215 million transformative infusion of resources into the heart of zip code 75215 in South Dallas, creating a vibrant new core for the City of Dallas. Phase I will not only reinstate the Forest Theater to its original elegance but will also include a major addition. Once complete, the theater complex will yield 66,000 square feet encompassing a 13,000-square-foot arts education hub; a 1,000-plus seat performance hall; a multi-use, 200-seat studio theater; a recording studio; and amenities such as a café, restaurant and roof-top feature. Renovations are expected to be completed by December 2025.

“The Forest Theater is the result of a successful private-public partnership that will serve as a decisive catalyst for not only economic development and growth but arts education and much-needed affordable housing,” U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) said. “Forest Forward’s remarkable $75 million vision — focused upon an often-forgotten community — has the potential to reimagine and bolster sunny South Dallas, positively affecting generations to come.”

Located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the Forest Theater will feature lower-floor, mezzanine and upper-balcony seating; a large stage and orchestra pit; concessionaire areas; a lush lobby; box offices and more. The Forest Theater’s popular marquee sign, known for its distinctive neon-green tower topped with a red ball, will be refreshed with new color and lighting.

The design architect for the Forest Theater project is HKS, and the co-general contractors are the Linbeck Group and Con-Real Construction. Managing the construction process is The Projects Group. The Forest Theater renovation is expected to achieve a targeted 75 percent MWBE (Minority/Women Business Enterprise) participation goal.

Dignitaries participating in the ceremonies were U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, State Senator Royce West, State Representative Venton Jones, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua. Also delivering remarks were Forest Forward board chair Matrice Ellis-Kirk and board members Linda and Jon Halbert, Forest Forward president/CEO Elizabeth Wattley, and Amanda Vela, senior vice president for Region 300 stores, Target. 

Additionally, numerous grass-roots leaders from Southern Dallas manned shovels and helped turn over the first ceremonial scoops of dirt. 

“The renovation of The Forest Theater is more than just revitalizing a historically significant structure,” Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua said. “Investing in and highlighting the theater’s historic significance is symbolic of the commitment of so many, to preserving South Dallas’ History while investing in new resources and assets for the community to grow. I am proud of the work that Forest Forward has already done, but even more proud and excited to continue working with them and seeing this project come to fruition.”

The block party entertainment featured local performers including the South Dallas Concert Choir, Spaceship Ohaysis, JB Dance Group and Big Tuck. Dallas ISD’s Lincoln and James K. Madison high schools competed in a “battle of the bands,” and local comedian Nanette Lee hosted and performed a stand-up routine.

The major sponsors of the Groundbreaking/Block Party are Target and HKS, and key sponsors include Linbeck Group and Con-Real Construction, Bank of Texas, TEGNA/WFAA, Comerica, State Fair of Texas and The Projects Group. Other supporters included United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Froswa Booker-Drew, Rise 360, Priscilla R. Stern Memorial Literacy Fund, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and The Shops at Redbird.

Wattley closed the program announcing there is still time to be a part of history by supporting the Forest Forward vision. The “Forest Fund” — also known as the “People’s Campaign” — is designed to engage and amplify community support, offering a 5-to-1 match for donations. Learn more at ForestForward.org.

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