Texas Theater Receives New Roof, Marking first Major Preservation Milestone
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Project Update
The City of Hillsboro has completed the first major preservation project at the Texas Theater with the installation of a new roof. The project addresses years of water intrusion that contributed to the deterioration of the historic building and marks an important milestone in preserving the theater for future use.
Structural and engineering assessments identified roof replacement as one of the building's highest priorities, finding that continued water intrusion threatened the theater's long-term integrity. By protecting the building from further weather damage, the project establishes a foundation for future phases of rehabilitation.
Status | Complete |
Project | Roof Replacement |
Contractor | Cen-Tex Roof Systems |
Contract Amount | $47,218 |
Funding Source | Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) |
City Council Approval | May 19, 2026 |
Purpose | Protect the building from further water intrusion and stabilize the historic structure |
Why This Project Was Needed
When the City acquired the Texas Theater in March 2026, one of the first priorities was addressing the failing roof. Persistent leaks, deteriorated roofing materials, and standing water had allowed moisture to enter the building for years, causing damage that would continue until the structure could be weatherproofed. The new roof is designed to stop that cycle and protect the theater while additional planning and assessments continue.
how the contractor was selected
The City used a competitive procurement process to select a contractor for the project.
The City issued a Request for Bids to qualified contractors and publicly advertised the opportunity to encourage competitive pricing. Interested contractors were asked to submit pricing, qualifications, references, a proposed project schedule, and a detailed scope of work for replacing the theater's roof.
The project was initially presented to the Hillsboro City Council on April 21, 2026. Rather than taking immediate action, Council allowed staff additional time to gather more bids and ensure the City received the best value for the project.
By the time the project returned to City Council on May 19, 2026, the City had received five competitive bids. After reviewing the proposals, staff recommended Cen-Tex Roof Systems as the best value to the City. The Hillsboro City Council approved the contract in the amount of $47,218, and the agreement was executed on May 22, 2026.
Behind the Project
Replacing the roof involved much more than roofing work alone. The existing rooftop HVAC equipment was removed before the new roofing system was installed. The City also coordinated a temporary lane closure on Waco Street with TxDOT and worked with Oncor to temporarily relocate an overhead power line, providing the safe clearance needed for a SkyTrak to safely move materials to the roof.
With the site prepared, crews removed the deteriorated roofing system, repaired damaged decking where needed, installed new insulation, and completed a durable TPO roofing membrane designed to protect the building from future water intrusion.
how the project was funded
The roof replacement was funded through the City's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) program. Under Texas law, these funds are dedicated to projects that promote tourism and the hotel industry, including the preservation of historic buildings and cultural attractions. Because of the theater's historic significance and its role in downtown revitalization, the project qualified as an eligible use of these dedicated funds.
What's Next?
With the building now protected from further water intrusion, the City can continue evaluating and prioritizing future phases of work. Current priorities include replacing the theater's floor, completing a structural load analysis of the historic marquee and awning to guide future façade restoration, and continuing assessments of the building's systems and long-term needs.
The pace of future restoration will continue to depend on a combination of community support, fundraising, partnerships, and grant funding. As new resources become available, the City will continue tackling projects that preserve the building and move it closer to welcoming the community once again.
Whether you'd like to volunteer, become a member, make a donation, or simply follow the project's progress, there are many ways to support the Texas Theater's restoration.