Legislature provides $30 million to preserve and restore Corpus Christi’s famous Ritz Theatre

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Ritz Theatre was awarded a $30 million grant for the preservation of the theatre from the Texas Preservation Trust Fund according to a press release released by the theatre on June 3.

The Ritz Theatre is a 1,300 seat theatre from 1929 that served the Corpus Christi community until it was shut down in 1989. The theatre was the first “talking” movie theatre and vaudeville house in South Texas. It showed movies until 1972, then it was rehabilitated into a music hall. It hosted artists such as Metallica, Bob Dylan, Elvis and Bruce Springsteen.

Cheryl Votzmeyer-Rios is the executive director of the Ritz Theatre and a UTRGV alumni with a master’s in public affairs. Votzmeyer-Rios said she has lived in Corpus Christi since 1996 and has grown to love her community. She said she became interested in the restoration of the theatre because she knows it would be enjoyed by tourists. She said she wants to see the theatre’s doors opened back up for her community.

“We are going to try to keep it as historical as possible and keep it to where when you walk in it looks like you were there back in the 1930s and we are going to bring it to ‘state of the art’ with sound, lighting and whatever it takes to make it a premier space for performers to be on the stage there,” Votzmeyer-Rios said. “Along with that, we want to keep intact the historical aspects of it so it is considered an atmospheric theater. It is supposed to be where you walk into the auditorium, you look up, you see the sky and it is like you are sitting in a Spanish Villa courtyard.”

The theatre will receive the grant in September 2026 and is currently in the schematic design phase of the architectural design process as the theatre’s team prepares to receive the funds. The Texas Legislature has been a support for the theatre; Texas state Rep. Todd Hunter and state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa helped the project move forward with the funds.

An artist’s impression of what a fully restored Ritz Theater could look like.

“In Texas, we believe in honoring our rich history while investing in the future,” Hunter said in the press release. “The Ritz Theatre in Corpus Christi is a shining example of our commitment to preserving our cultural landmarks and revitalizing our communities. I am proud that this legislative session has provided a pathway for The Ritz to receive the support it deserves — a ‘Lone Star Encore’ that will serve as a vibrant hub for the entire South Texas region for generations to come. This revival isn’t just about restoring a building; it’s about reinvigorating our community and celebrating our shared heritage.”

Cheryl Votzmeyer-Rios inside the Ritz Theater. (Photo credit: The Bend Magazine)

According to the press release, the Ritz Theatre could bring $7million each year to Corpus Christi’s local economy if it is properly restored. It would bring in 125 new jobs and increase the city’s annual revenue.

“Hotel occupancy rises when there is entertainment happening in certain areas,” Votzmeyer-Rios said. “We are looking at that and that kind of revenue that will be generated. Corpus Christi is growing, and it is flourishing so that is one of the reasons why this project right now is really poised to make such a big difference in what we have to offer as an amenity to our city.”

Votzmeyer-Rios said there is not a planned date for the theatre to open, but she hopes it will be ready for its 100-year anniversary in 2029. The theatre is attempting to ask community members and industries to match the fund they will receive for more support.

“We are reaching out to the community as an action call in the industry around us to help support the project,” Votzmeyer-Rios said. “Anybody that jumps on board to this project would really be proud of what is going to happen when the doors open and be a part of growing our community and enhancing what we have.”

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