When the Grand Theater opened in 1938, it was the first theater in Fort Worth built expressly for African Americans. It was designed by Huston & Smith of Dallas and erected by H. C. Jordon & Son of Fort Worth. The auditorium could accommodate 526 patrons downstairs and 274 in the balcony. It originally had five storefronts that housed such tenants as a recreation club, a barber shop, restaurant, a shoe shop and a package store. All of the storefronts have been infilled with massive concrete blocks and the auditorium now houses a church. However, the distinctive blue and gold sign bearing the name “Grand” and a marquee still exist. Because of the alterations, the building is a noncontributing resource in the National Register-listed Near Southeast Historic District. If the storefronts were restored, it could be considered contributing to the district and may be individually eligible for the National Register.
