05/30/2026
One year ago, our family took a leap of faith and purchased a theatre that has been part of Hempstead’s story for generations. Originally built in 1978 and opened in 1979 as a one-screen theatre, this building carried on a tradition that dates all the way back to the 1920s. Aside from the short closure during COVID, families in Hempstead have enjoyed over 100 years of movies, memories, and community gathering right here in our hometown. What once sat dark and quiet after the pandemic has now been brought back to life as The Switch — a newly renovated venue named in honor of Hempstead’s rich railroad history and designed to “switch it up” with movies, live music, theatre, and special events all under one roof. Looking back at everything accomplished in just one year is honestly hard to believe, and we could not be more proud or grateful to have had this opportunity to bring this beloved theatre back to life.
This past year has been filled with long days, late nights, challenges, prayers, and more hard work than we could have ever imagined, but every moment has been worth it. From sewing every single theatre seat to carefully restoring the vintage atmosphere and character of the building, this renovation became a true labor of love for our family and the amazing friends who stood beside us throughout the process. Seeing the final seats completed was one of the most rewarding milestones of the entire journey thus far. However, stay tunned to watch the mural unfold. Mandy Lea Jennings is in the process of creating a masterpiece mural that will tell the story of Hempstead’s history all under one roof. Currently the mural consists of The Bell Tower, The Waller County Courthouse and the Veterans Memorial. Our goal is to wrap the theater with the beautiful history we hold here in our hometown.
What has meant the most to us, though, has been watching our community walk back through these doors. Hearing stories from people who came here as children and are now bringing their own kids and grandkids has reminded us why preserving places like this matters so much. The reaction is almost always the same — “WOW.” People cannot believe it is the same theatre.
Since reopening, we have been blessed to host an Eagle Scout Ceremony, a Celebration of Life and successfully feature six different movies for our community. But this past Saturday was the moment that truly captured the vision we had when we first purchased the theatre. Hosting Vince King’s Elvis Tribute Show & The Vegas Mafia Band and seeing a packed room full of people singing, celebrating, and enjoying live entertainment together in Hempstead was everything we had prayed for. The energy in the theatre that night was unforgettable and a reminder that The Switch is becoming exactly what we hoped it could be — a place where community, memories, and entertainment come together once again.
We are incredibly thankful for every person who has supported this dream, encouraged us during renovations, attended events, shared our posts, and believed in what this theatre could become. Bringing the theatre back to life has been one of the greatest blessings for our family, and we truly believe the best is yet to come.
Above all, we give all the glory and thanks to our Heavenly Father for the many blessings that made this journey possible. There were countless moments throughout this renovation where the challenges felt overwhelming, but time and time again, doors opened, prayers were answered, and the right people were placed in our path exactly when we needed them most. We truly believe this theatre was meant to be brought back to life, and we are beyond thankful for the opportunity to help preserve such a special place for our community and future generations.
See y’all at The Switch 🎭🍿
