WHAT WE DO
A focus on the future, connected to the past.
Forest Forward works to bring healthy neighborhood revitalization while preserving the history and character of the neighborhood. Drawing from community voices and the nationally proven Purpose Built Communities model, Forest Forward’s work goes beyond restoration of the Forest Theater. The restoration and expansion will serve as a catalyst to spur equitable development.
For the Children
Cradle-to-College Education Pathway for our children
A multi-year public-private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District has been established to advance educational opportunities by providing student access to the restored Forest Theater and its component features such as the sensory immersion room, studio theater with ability to convert for animation and CGI technology, and podcast, broadcast, and recording studio.
Through this partnership, the Dr. Martin Luther King Center has been transformed into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Arts Academy, extending its curricular offerings from Pre-K through the eighth grade.
Special thanks to our education sponsor:
For the Community
Mixed-Income Housing to build community
Understanding that neighborhoods are impacted by their housing stock, Forest Forward works to establish collaborative relationships to support the development and construction of mixed-income housing. The approach to housing creation will focus on no displacement of residents and preserving affordability.
For the Culture
Preserving our cultural identity and providing opportunity
The Forest Theater, once known for its marquee and beckoning lights, will be restored yielding 45,000 square feet dedicated to four critical spaces:
- Concert Hall
- Creative Laboratory-13,000 square feet of space to house movement and recording studio, flex space, resource center, sensory immersion room, artist classrooms, and labs
- Roof Deck
- Studio Theater
