What makes the Simon Theatre an important building to save?
The Simon was designed in 1925 by one of Texas most renowned architects, Alfred C. Finn. Finn is known as the builder of Houston. He was Jesse Jones principal architect. He designed downtown Houstons Gulf Building, the Rice Hotel, Hermann Hospital, the San Jacinto Monument, and a long list of other landmark buildings. Locally, the Citadel (on Hwy. 290, originally the Brenham Country Club) was designed by Finn, and so was the historic Hasskarl home, currently Far View Bed & Breakfast (S. Park Street at Lubbock). Finn built five other famous downtown movie houses in the early 1900s (in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth). Now only the Simon remains. All others have been closed and demolished. History and theatre buffs nationwide mourn their loss. Our community has a responsibility to save Finns last picture show in Texas. The Simon is also the centerpiece of the Downtown Brenham National Register Historic District. After its successful restoration, it will bring statewide and national attent
