Catholic Charities plans to build a new $30 million “Family Opportunity Center” on the theater and adjoining shopping center site.

HOUSTON, Texas — The final credits may soon roll for the landmark Granada Theater and its colorful marquee along Jensen Drive in north Houston.

“I see a lot of potential in it,” area resident and artist Roni Cabrera told KHOU 11.

She’s become one of the Granada’s primary advocates amid redevelopment plans, and she organized a protest on Friday evening.

“The most beautiful part about this building is the letters ‘Granada’ and that spire have never fallen apart,” Cabrera said. “To me, that is a clear symbol that she’s here to fight and to stay.”

Built in 1949, the Granada later housed a church before falling into disrepair.

Just a few years ago, it survived a fire that took out much of the adjoining Jensen Square shopping center.

Now, the entire property, which is owned by Catholic Charities, is set to be home to a new $30 million “Family Opportunity Center.”

It will be a hub for things like a food pantry, disaster relief, counseling, and pregnancy and parenting services.

There are odes to the old theater in a rendering shared with KHOU 11 News.

“We carefully researched the feasibility of restoring the theater building, but unfortunately, that option would require anywhere from $2 million to $6 million, which is not economically viable,” Catholic Charities said in a statement.



Cabrera said she’s resigned to the fact that the wrecking ball will soon start swinging.

“Yes, it really doesn’t seem like there’s any wiggle room with the idea of preserving this building,” said Cabrera.  “I do believe that with community coming together, all things are possible.”

The building does not appear to have any sort of protected landmark status.

Incidentally, the Granada had a virtual twin called the Capitan in Pasadena, which was stripped of its character years ago and currently sits abandoned as well.

Here’s the complete statement from Catholic Charities:

“Catholic Charities welcomes the opportunity to offer our social services to one of the most underserved neighborhoods in Houston – the Eastex-Jensen area.

“We are making an investment in the Eastex-Jensen community in excess of $30 million to build the Family Opportunity Center at 9111 Jensen – a hub for Catholic Charities services, including a food pantry and drive-through food distributions; relief assistance following natural disasters; and other services designed to help individuals and families on the path to self-sufficiency: employment services, counseling, pregnancy and parenting education, and more.

“When we first acquired the 5.7-acre property at 9111 Jensen in 2024, we recognized the historic significance of the Granada Theater located on the site.  We carefully researched the feasibility of restoring the theater building, but unfortunately, that option would require anywhere from
$2 million to $6 million, which is not economically viable.

“Nonetheless, we are committed to honoring the theater’s legacy.  In the Family Opportunity Center, we plan to name a conference room after the Granada Theater and include a commemorative photo display to celebrate its importance to the community.  Additionally, in the design and planning stage, we will explore every possibility to incorporate elements of the theater’s signage and architectural elements into the design of our new building.

“The space currently occupied by the theater is essential to our operational plans.  It will allow us to accommodate large trucks delivering supplies during disaster relief efforts and support the ongoing stocking of our food pantry and warehouse—critical components of our service to the community.  Catholic Charities is among Houston’s largest charity providers of food assistance.  In the last year, we distributed 4.2 million pounds of food to families in need.

“Catholic Charities must be good stewards of the funds that are being entrusted to us by our donors.  We remain focused on building to serve the Eastex-Jensen community and providing services to families and individuals in need.

“We expect to begin work on the property in September to prepare the site for future construction.

“We look forward to becoming a part of the Eastex-Jensen neighborhood and serving families in need in accordance with our vision: “People of faith helping people in need achieve self-sufficiency and live with dignity.”