TCU’s theater and music students to relocate during renovations of Landreth Hall
Students and faculty in TCU’s theater and music programs will temporarily relocate to four spaces as the College of Fine Arts’ Ed Landreth Hall undergoes renovations.
Classes, rehearsals and productions will be held close to campus at University Christian Church, University Baptist Church and Brite Divinity School starting this summer. Additionally, the university will use a now-closed public charter school in southwest Fort Worth, according to Jason Soileau, assistant vice chancellor of planning, design and construction at TCU.
Chapel Hill Academy, at 4640 Sycamore School Road, was operated by nonprofit Lena Pope until August 2024 when it closed due to declining enrollment and competing schools. The property has been vacant since, according to Lena Pope. It’s about a 15-minute drive from campus.
TCU is leasing these four spaces for two to three years while it gives a full makeover to Ed Landreth Hall. The improvements to the academic, rehearsal and performance spaces will cost between $66 million and $80 million, according to TCU 360.
The renovations are slated to be finished in summer 2028, Soileau said.
TCU is also retrofitting the former charter school space to accommodate the theater and music programs. The modifications will cost about $1.1 million, according to a development permit.
“We are making minimal renovations, primarily consisting of minor millwork and electrical modifications. At Chapel Hill (Academy), we will add a temporary covered awning to accommodate paint and welding activities for the scene shop. Upon termination of the lease, TCU will restore the property to its existing condition,” Soileau said.
A scene shop is an area where scenery is built or repaired.
“Lena Pope is pleased to partner with TCU to maximize community impact via sharing the underutilized campus with TCU,” the nonprofit said in a statement.
Pastor Jerimiah Smith of University Baptist Church said the church is looking forward to serving students and faculty during this transition period.
“Our church is grateful and excited to partner with TCU while Ed Landreth Hall undergoes renovations. TCU and UBC share a commitment to investing in people, and this is one meaningful way we can continue to support that during this season of transition. We see this as more than simply sharing space — it’s an opportunity to serve students and faculty in a way that strengthens our broader community,” Smith said.
This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 1:07 PM.
