New renderings reveal a restored theater, adjoining annex and a regional vision that reaches across the Coastal Bend to Kingsville
By Claudia Rivas | Kingsville Independent News
CORPUS CHRISTI — After sitting closed for nearly four decades, Corpus Christi’s historic Ritz Theatre is beginning to offer a clearer picture of what its next chapter could look like, and organizers envision that future reaching well beyond downtown Corpus Christi.
The Ritz Theatre, Inc. has released new architectural renderings of the planned rehabilitation of the 1929 theater and construction of an adjoining annex, providing a look at a property envisioned as a regional destination for entertainment, education and community events.
That regional vision includes Kingsville.
Ritz Theatre Executive Director Art Seago previously told Kingsville Independent News that educational programming is expected to eventually expand throughout the Coastal Bend and that communities outside Corpus Christi are part of the organization’s plans for the restored theater.
“We don’t see The Ritz as something that belongs only to downtown Corpus Christi,” Seago said. “This is a regional project, and we want students and families from Kingsville and communities throughout South Texas to feel that The Ritz belongs to them, too.”
The newly released renderings provide a look at what that venue could become. They show the project’s current design for the historic auditorium, grand lobby, lobby bar and reception area, and event center and ballroom. The designs are not final and will continue to evolve as the architectural team completes final construction documents.
For Seago, the images give the public something that years of discussion about the theater’s future could not.
“For years, people have talked about what The Ritz could become. These renderings allow our community to begin to see it,” Seago said. “We are preserving the history and character that make The Ritz special while creating a venue that will serve Corpus Christi and South Texas in ways this building never could before.”
Preserving the past, expanding its future
The Ritz opened on Christmas Day in 1929 and has been closed since 1989. Its rehabilitation is intended to preserve the architectural character and history of the nearly century-old theater while incorporating the modern systems, technology and amenities needed for a contemporary performing arts and entertainment venue.
One of the new renderings offers a look inside the historic auditorium, where the design incorporates the original 1929 color palette uncovered through an investigation of the theater’s historic decorative finishes.
But the project extends beyond restoring the original theater.
The adjoining annex is intended to significantly expand how the property can be used even when there is no performance underway. Current plans include a large event and ballroom space, commercial kitchen, bars, café, VIP lounge and additional gathering and hospitality areas.
“The Ritz will certainly be a place to see a great show, but our vision is much bigger than that,” Seago said. “We are creating a place where people can come for a concert, a play or a movie, attend a wedding or community event, participate in an education program, have dinner or a drink, or simply gather with friends.”
“We want The Ritz to be an active part of our community and to become an important part of the continued growth of downtown Corpus Christi,” he added.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2027, with completion planned for fall 2029, according to Seago. The Ritz is scheduled to reopen in 2029, the same year the theater will mark its 100th anniversary on Christmas Day.
More than a performance venue
Education is also part of the future envisioned for The Ritz.
The theater is developing a program with area schools that will use performing arts, music, theater and film as tools for learning. Initial programming is being developed with Corpus Christi ISD, with plans to eventually expand educational opportunities throughout the Coastal Bend.
The completed theater and annex are intended to accommodate those programs alongside performing arts, entertainment, community gatherings and special events.
The Ritz has also begun developing programming while the building remains closed. Its Spotlight Series, launched in November 2025, brings live entertainment to venues around the Coastal Bend while giving the organization an opportunity to develop audiences and programming ahead of the theater’s reopening.
The 2026 series concludes Oct. 9, when original Blues Brothers Band member and longtime musician and arranger Tom “Bones” Malone joins The Texas Bluesmen at Bar Under the Sun in downtown Corpus Christi.
Building the team
The rehabilitation is being guided by The Ritz Theatre, Inc. Board of Directors, led by Board President Rick Hatch, along with Ritz staff and a project team combining South Texas roots with specialized experience in historic theaters, performing arts venues, construction and preservation.
Gignac Architects is the lead architectural firm and has partnered with Performance Architecture, which specializes in historic theaters and performing arts venues. Fulton Construction/Fulton-Coastcon Construction is the construction partner, while Schuler Shook is providing expertise in theater planning, lighting and audio and video design. EverGreene Architectural Arts is contributing expertise in historic architecture, decorative arts and preservation.
“One of the things that gives me tremendous confidence in this project is the team we have assembled,” Seago said. “From our Board and staff to our architects, theatre consultants, preservation specialists and construction team, we have people who understand both the complexity of this project and what The Ritz means to Corpus Christi.”
For Seago, the renderings offer the public its clearest glimpse yet of a future that has been years in the making.
“The building has been waiting a long time for this moment,” he said. “Now people don’t have to just imagine the future of The Ritz. They can begin to see it.”