Indeed, Artisan moved into the 404 space in 2005 along with the old Pizza Inn at space 420. Originally, the intent was to remodel the Belaire and create a live theater-in-the-round for our patrons. However, engineers and architects determined it would cost 3 million to renovate the building. In 2013, we negotiated an agreement with the City and property owners to use the Belaire Theater “as is-where is” and bring the building up to modern safety codes. The most recent “fourplex” conversion was maintained. All of the seats and screens were removed. A sprinkler system was installed (with generous contributions from the City of Hurst and the Property Owner) and new electrical wiring to allow for lighting and exits. In it’s current configuration, the original lobby is now a rehearsal room and dance studio. Theater 1 is a prop storage room. Theater 2 is now a costume storage room. Theater 3 is our scene shop for building sets and theater 4 is another rehearsal hall and multi-purpose room.
For years, the Belaire Theater had the reputation of being haunted with many stories shared by former employees. To the best of our knowledge, the new activity has eliminated any paranormal activity, though we still receive requests for groups to evaluate.
Artisan Center Theater now occupies 28,000 sq, ft. of space and operated 2 live theaters. The largest is our main stage at 200 seats and the new Children’s Theater is 150 seats. We have productions 5 days a week and remain closed on Sunday.
Thank you for sharing the updates “dallasmovietheaters” and “jamestv”. As a co-founder of Artisan Center Theater, I am working to help restore this area of Hurst and create a historical picture museum of the many people that came here to see movies or shop or “cruise” since the 1960’s …. We are seeking pictures that anyone may have of the Belaire Theater or the shopping center. Believe it or not, these are difficult to come by. We have invested nearly $1 million in renovations so far from generous contributions from the community. More work is needed. Much more. Obviously restoring the old movie theater to a new movie theater is impossible. But we have proven (with over 90,000 people attending in 2014) that it can still be a valuable asset to the community as a “family-friendly” entertainment venue. The City of Hurst is considering creating a cultural arts district in this area, centered around Artisan. Any more stories or pictures you can locate would be so helpful and could be sent to my attention: Rick Blair; Artisan Center Theater | 444 E Pipeline Rd. | Hurst, TX 76053 | 817-521-3699-cell | http:/artisanct.com |
Follow Up Post to “dallasmovietheaters”..
Indeed, Artisan moved into the 404 space in 2005 along with the old Pizza Inn at space 420. Originally, the intent was to remodel the Belaire and create a live theater-in-the-round for our patrons. However, engineers and architects determined it would cost 3 million to renovate the building. In 2013, we negotiated an agreement with the City and property owners to use the Belaire Theater “as is-where is” and bring the building up to modern safety codes. The most recent “fourplex” conversion was maintained. All of the seats and screens were removed. A sprinkler system was installed (with generous contributions from the City of Hurst and the Property Owner) and new electrical wiring to allow for lighting and exits. In it’s current configuration, the original lobby is now a rehearsal room and dance studio. Theater 1 is a prop storage room. Theater 2 is now a costume storage room. Theater 3 is our scene shop for building sets and theater 4 is another rehearsal hall and multi-purpose room.
For years, the Belaire Theater had the reputation of being haunted with many stories shared by former employees. To the best of our knowledge, the new activity has eliminated any paranormal activity, though we still receive requests for groups to evaluate.
Artisan Center Theater now occupies 28,000 sq, ft. of space and operated 2 live theaters. The largest is our main stage at 200 seats and the new Children’s Theater is 150 seats. We have productions 5 days a week and remain closed on Sunday.
Thank you for sharing the updates “dallasmovietheaters” and “jamestv”. As a co-founder of Artisan Center Theater, I am working to help restore this area of Hurst and create a historical picture museum of the many people that came here to see movies or shop or “cruise” since the 1960’s …. We are seeking pictures that anyone may have of the Belaire Theater or the shopping center. Believe it or not, these are difficult to come by. We have invested nearly $1 million in renovations so far from generous contributions from the community. More work is needed. Much more. Obviously restoring the old movie theater to a new movie theater is impossible. But we have proven (with over 90,000 people attending in 2014) that it can still be a valuable asset to the community as a “family-friendly” entertainment venue. The City of Hurst is considering creating a cultural arts district in this area, centered around Artisan. Any more stories or pictures you can locate would be so helpful and could be sent to my attention: Rick Blair; Artisan Center Theater | 444 E Pipeline Rd. | Hurst, TX 76053 | 817-521-3699-cell | http:/artisanct.com |