Hobby Center raises the curtain on $45 million renovation project

The Hobby Center has brought Houston two decades of world class musical theater and plays as part of its Broadway at the Hobby Center series, as well being the home for Theatre Under the Stars and giving a stage and spotlight to some of Houston’s stellar music, dance, and theater organizations. As the organization moves into its next stage, the Hobby Center will more fully embrace its name and identity as a center to present even more diverse and dynamic local, national, and international performing art. To do so, it's raising the curtain on an epic $45 million plan to renovate the building and add a third permanent performance space.

Plans calls for transforming the underutilized event area between the expansive Sarofim Hall and midsized Zilkha Hall — currently home to the Live at the Founder Club series — into a intimate club-like theater with seating for 160 people. Once complete, the realized concept will combine club-style seating, a full bar, and elevated dining and service throughout performances.