history
The Texas Theater is a historic downtown building with long-standing significance in Hillsboro. For years, it has been a part of the community's identity, even as the building itself has stood vacant.
Today, the project is focused on bringing the theater back into active use through a practical, phased, community-driven approach.
a century on the square
The timeline below traces the Texas Theater’s history on the downtown square, from its early years through periods of change and into its current phase.
Late 20th - Early 21st Century
Underutilization
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Building remained largely underused
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Deferred maintenance and aging systems impacted usability
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2019
Veritas Arts, Inc. launched restoration efforts that renewed community interest in the theater's future. While those plans were never fully realized, the effort helped renewed community interest in the building's future. -
Continued to stand as a recognizable downtown landmark despite limited activity
Early 20th Century
Construction & Opening
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1926
The building opened as the Palace Theater at 107 South Waco Street. Designed by Texas architect Theodore S. Maffitt, it was constructed during the golden age of movie palaces and quickly became part of Hillsboro's growing entertainment district. -
1930s
The theater became part of the Robb & Rowley theater circuit, one of the largest theater operators in Texas. During this era, Robb & Rowley operated multiple theaters in Hillsboro and throughout the region. -
1936
The Palace Theater was remodeled with the Art Moderne facade visible today and renamed the Texas Theater.
Mid 20th Century
Peak Use
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Operated as a primary cinema for Hillsboro residents
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Hosted regular film screenings and community outings
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Played a key role in downtown foot traffic and evening activity
Late 20th Century
Transition
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Early 1980s
The Texas Theater was converted into a twin-screen cinema as movie exhibition evolved to meet changing audience preferences.Theater operations declined as entertainment patterns shifted -
Building changed ownership and/or use over time
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Periods of vacancy or limited use
2025
Due Diligence and Assessment
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City secured access for evaluation
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Structural and building condition assessments conducted
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Feasibility of phased reactivation explored
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City Council approves trade for building
2026
Project Launch
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Texas Theater project formally initiated
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Community engagement, volunteer efforts, and fundraising begin
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Planning for phased activation underway
Looking Ahead
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Incremental improvements to stabilize and activate the building
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Expansion of programming over time
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Long-term goal of reestablishing the theater as a center of arts, entertainment, and community events.