The Granada Theater, a beloved cultural landmark on Lower Greenville Avenue since 1946, is slated for sale to Bathhouse, a spa‑style business owned by Mike Talmadge. The transaction, expected to close in April 2027, would convert the historic venue into a new Bathhouse location while preserving the building’s façade.
Bathhouse plans and economic outlook
Bathhouse operates several locations in the Northeast and describes its concept as a spa with a social element. Talmadge told a virtual meeting with theater owners Mike Schoder and Julia Garton, as well as concerned residents, that the economics of a community‑owned theater “are not viable.” He emphasized that his company has already invested heavily in pre‑development work and intends to operate the new facility for “another 50 years,” accommodating at least as many patrons per day as the former theater.
Save The Granada Theater campaign
In response, a group of Lower Greenville residents launched the “Save The Granada Theater” campaign. The coalition is exploring nonprofit ownership and has applied for city and state grants to fund the purchase. Organizers also seek a Historic Landmark designation for the 80‑year‑old structure, hoping the status will bolster preservation efforts and potentially unlock additional funding.
Campaign leaders argue that keeping the theater under local control would preserve a cultural touchstone that generations of Dallas families have enjoyed. They note that the adjacent Sundown at Granada restaurant closed its public dining room on November 1, though it will continue to host private events through the end of the year.
Zoning and city involvement
The proposed Bathhouse development will require zoning approvals from the City of Dallas. Officials could consider the request as early as January, according to the timeline provided by the parties. The city’s decision will influence whether the theater’s historic façade remains intact and how the new use integrates with the surrounding neighborhood.
Local residents who attended the virtual meeting expressed mixed feelings. While some appreciate Talmadge’s commitment to preserving the building’s exterior, others remain skeptical about the long‑term impact on the neighborhood’s cultural fabric.
Next steps
The sale to Bathhouse is expected to be finalized in April 2027. In the meantime, the Save The Granada Theater group will continue fundraising, pursue grant opportunities, and work toward securing Historic Landmark status. The outcome will shape the future of a cherished Dallas institution and set a precedent for how historic properties are handled amid growing development pressures.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
