National Register Listing

Ridglea Theatre

6025-6033 Camp Bowie Blvd. & 3309 Winthrop Ave., Fort Worth, TX
The 1950 Ridglea Theatre, on the west side of Fort Worth, Texas, is part of a commercial district developed between the early 1940s through the mid-1950s by A. C. Luther to serve the surrounding residential section, much of which he also developed. With a seating capacity of approximately 1,500, the Ridglea Theatre was Fort Worth's largest suburban movie theater and functioned as a theater for over 40 years. The property is nominated to the National Register at the local level of significance under Criterion A in the area of Entertainment and Recreation as Fort Worth's largest single-screen suburban movie theater. The property is nominated to the National Register under Criterion C in the area of Architecture at the local level as an excellent example of the Spanish Eclectic style as applied to a movie theatre and commercial building. Elements of the style found m the building include the stone and painted brick walls, wood balconies, ornamental iron work, and low-pitched roofs sheathed with red clay tile. The theater was designed by the Dallas firm of Pettigrew and Worley, which specialized in the construction of movie houses across the state from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. The Spanish Eclectic design of the Ridglea Theatre varied from the modernistic designs of the firm's other theaters of the era. The property is also nominated at the local level of significance under Criterion C in the area of Art, for the murals within the theater lobby designed by Norwegian-born Eugene John Gilboe, a noted decorator and muralist whose artwork adorned many buildings in Texas. They relate to the Spanish Eclectic theme of the theater building and the Ridglea Village as a whole, as they depict Spanish explorers arriving on the coast of California with pirates in close pursuit, a fitting subject for a venue intended to fuel the imaginations of its patrons. The period of significance is from 1950, the year the original theater and bank building was completed, to 1961, which acknowledges with the building's continued use as a suburban theater and bank.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Entertainment/recreation; Art

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture entertainment recreation art
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Texas random facts
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Tarrant County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.