Laredo landmark board approves Plaza Theater façade work, allows adjacent partial demolition for ADA access

The City of Laredo Historic District Landmark Board on a unanimous vote approved façade restoration and related work at the Plaza Theater, including neon-to-LED lighting replacement, door- and canopy repairs, and limited demolition of an adjacent building to accommodate an addition.

Staff told the board the Plaza Theater, constructed in 1947 in an Art Moderne style, retains important historic features including a prominent marquee and historic neon lighting. Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal “preserves the historic character and does not alter the exterior facade” while following the Secretary of the Interior standards and local historic urban design guidelines.

Able City partner Rick Solis, the applicant’s representative, said the partial demolition of the building adjacent to the theater is intended to provide accessible restrooms and an elevator without altering the theater itself. “The demolishing of the adjacent building is for us to be able to provide ADA restrooms and elevator, another stair, exit stair,” Solis said.

Project drawings presented to the board show removal of damaged canopy materials, reconstruction of the canopy roof with new roofing and drainage, replacement of chrome-finish door hardware with art-deco–style antique brass handles, repair of wood doors and frames, terrazzo and tile repairs, brick repointing to match existing mortar, and replacement of neon tubing with LED skeletonized lighting designed to mimic the historic appearance and color (primary green).

Board members asked whether the proposed lighting would conflict with a separate agenda item proposing a city ordinance to prohibit illuminated signage on plaza perimeters; staff replied that the Plaza Theater proposal would be vested if a building permit had already been submitted and therefore would not be retroactively barred by the new ordinance.

The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the project as presented. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the described façade repairs and the adjacent building work necessary for the accessibility upgrades.

Next steps: the applicant will pursue building permits and any required coordination with city permitting and the Texas Historical Commission where applicable.