The Hall-Rialto Preservation Association has owned the theater since about 1991. It has been a long complicated effort to save the building. Mistakes have been made over the years, but we all make mistakes. We just need to learn from them. Most of the current board (what is left of it) has a lack of vision, makes poor choices, and basically is incompetent.

What could be done better?

• Develop a master plan of the building to include all utilities, seating, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, sound, projection, etc. (There currently is none).
• Develop an operating plan to hand over to the for-profit operators of the facility. (There currently is none).
• Perform an asbestos inspection and removing any found asbestos. (The board claims that they have done one but no one can find the documentation.)
• Start a capital campaign to secure all need funding prior to starting any project. (No more half done projects)
• Start following the by-laws. (When a board member asked for a copy, no one could find one. They had to ask a local bank to find it their files.)
• Amend the by-laws to prevent board members from also serving as a contractor (in any capacity) for work needed on the building. (Ethics 101.)
• A plan must be documented and submitted to the Texas Historical Commission before any work is started. The work can only proceed once the work is approved by the THC. This is currently a requirement for THC funds received in the past. (This process is not being done by the current board.)
• Secure permits before any work is started in the building. (This is not always being done).
• Be completely open with the public, the good and the bad. Board meetings should be always be open to the public. (Only one meeting was open to the public in 2024).
• Finances should be audited and reported on a regular basis. (Don’t think it has ever been done.)

Once the current board fails, the next board needs to address these issues head on and finally get this building restored right and operating with a solid business plan.