The Historic Heights Theater

Since its grand opening at 339 W. 19th Street in 1929, the Heights Theater has served as a cultural barometer for the Houston Heights, mirroring the neighborhood’s evolution for nearly a century. Originally established as a classic cinema during the historic transition from silent films to “talkies,” it provided an essential, affordable escape for local families until the late 1960s, when the rise of television and suburban multiplexes threatened the viability of single-screen venues. The building was spared from neglect in the late 1980s by Gus and Sharon Kopriva, who repurposed the landmark into the influential Redbud Gallery, preserving its structural integrity for decades. This stewardship paved the way for its 2015 acquisition by Edwin Cabaniss, who meticulously restored the theater to its original purpose as a premier performance space, ensuring the marquee remains the vibrant heartbeat of the 19th Street corridor.