Why Restore

The Grande Theatre will always be a beacon of light for the Harlingen residents and the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. At this present time, The City of Harlingen is looking to the future and looking to forge ahead with new and exciting projects in the horizon that will attract new businesses and residents. Since the opening of the Grande Theatre in 1942, The Rio Grande Valley has changed. Harlingen too has changed, but it has not propsered as much as neighboring cities that have ports of entry from Mexico. Harlingen is not a border city and has suffered because of it.

With new businesses coming to the Rio Grande Valley and Harlingen, it is important to offer a unique experience to visitors and tourist alike.  Harlingen has much to offer as the Capital of the Rio Grande Valley and should offer experiences by way of entertainment that are not offered in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The Grande Theatre will once again be the gem of the south and future patrons will be happy to talk about their experiences just as patrons did in 1942. 

with this preservation project, which is unlike anything else that is happening in the city, this historic gem will shine bright as the forges ahead to its progressive future. The City of Harlingen is committed to the quality of life for its residence and that also means making the historic new and functional again for another string of generations. This is a great undertaking, but with the support of the community, city, historic preservation associations and committees, The Rio Grande Valley, and South Texas as a whole, this great endeavor can come to fruition. 

Our mission is to restore and revitalize the historic Grande Theatre, located in the heart of Harlingen's District 4, at the intersection of D St. and Harrison Ave, across from the beautiful Gutierrez Memorial Park. This project aims to preserve and promote the rich Hispanic cultural heritage of Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley. We are committed to turning the Grande Theatre and Gutierrez Memorial Park into the anchors of the La Placita Arts District, changing the dynamics of the entire area. 

We envision the Grande Theatre as a vibrant hub for culture and entertainment in Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley. Once this project is completed, the Grande Theatre will be a premier destination for movies, musical shows, plays, open mic nights, comedy nights, and much more. We strive to be a beacon of light for the residents of Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley, attracting new businesses and residents to our city. Our vision is to transform this historic gem into a symbol of progress and prosperity for Harlingen, keeping its legacy alive for future generations. 

With the support of the community, the city, historic preservation associations, and committees, as well as the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas as a whole, we are confident that this great endeavor will come to fruition. Together, we can make this preservation project a success and ensure a bright future for the Grande Theatre and the entire city of Harlingen