CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Ritz Theatre has been in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi for decades.
The building is about to get a huge upgrade, a new roof.
Staff says this could also help bring in more tourists.
It was on Christmas in 1929 when the Ritz Hall opened its doors.
The building still stands but with a few scratches and bruises.
Soon, things are going to change.
“It’s a long road. We still have a long road to go but it will provide a cultural hub a creative hub for our community,” said Monica Sawyer, president of Corpus Christi Patch.
Sawyer says the Ritz was able to receive a $100,000 matching grant through the City's tax increment zone program.
And along with the many community donations. that money will be used for a new roof.
But that's not all.
“So not only will that help increase the income of the city, but then also support the creative people here in the community in a lot of different ways - through film, comedy and music, drama, dance and a broadcast show," Sawyer said. "That we are planning.”
Once completed, the staff says they will then work on the plumbing and upgrades to the electricity.
Staff also says these repairs will help more tourists come to the area and help showcase local talent.
Members with the Ritz also say there's a lot of work to be done before being the theater's renovation is complete.
“It’s a long road," Sawyer said. "We still have a long (way) to go, but it will provide a cultural hub, a creative hub for our community.”
Once completed, the Ritz will be restored as if we're back in the 1920s with looks that would deserve a standing ovation.