Historic Texas dance hall up for grabs a year after sudden closure

Venerable Kendalia Dance Hall Closes, Now Up for Sale

In a surprising turn of events last summer, the historic Kendalia Halle, a landmark in the Texas Hill Country, unexpectedly shut its doors. After almost a century of bringing joy, memories, and cultural vibrancy to the Kendalia community and beyond, the more than 120-year-old venue is now on the market.

Located approximately 30 miles away from Boerne and 45 miles from San Antonio, the dance hall has been a cherished gathering spot for concerts, dances, plays, weddings, and local events. However, a sudden cancellation of remaining events in July 2024, due to unforeseen circumstances, left many with unanswered questions about the venue's future.

Since then, no official updates have been provided regarding the reasons for the closure or plans for the historic building. In the following ten months, the hall's website went dark, adding fuel to the speculation and concerns of the community. Now, the Kendalia Halle Complex, which also includes the Elbel Building, built in 1911, and a nearby residence, has been listed for sale by Schwab Ranch Investments for $550,000.

John Faulk, President of Texas Dance Hall Preservation, expressed the sentiment shared by many when he stated, "This is not just a real estate transaction. It's a crossroads for the future of our shared heritage." The future buyer, Faulk emphasized, should appreciate the hall's historical and cultural significance and be committed to preserving its authentic spirit for future generations.

The dance hall has been owned by Lee and Judi Temple since 1995, but the reasons for its closure and the decision to sell remain unknown. The Temples have been described as outstanding caretakers, and requests for privacy have been made on their behalf by the Texas Dance Hall Preservation group.

Kendalia Halle is more than an old dance floor; it's a living testament to the region's history, Faulk noted. "Preserving it isn't just about nostalgia; it's about honoring Texas itself."

The Kendalia Halle complex offers good visibility and access on a well-traveled state highway, supporting a variety of potential uses such as dances, weddings, receptions, retail, and other events. The sale represents a significant moment for the preservation of the hall's cultural heritage, as the community and preservation advocates express hope for a buyer dedicated to honoring the hall’s historic and cultural value. The future use of the hall depends on the forthcoming new ownership.

In summary, the Kendalia Halle was abruptly closed in 2024, and it has remained inactive since. As of May 2025, it is on the market for $550,000 as part of a complex including other historic buildings and a residence. The community and preservation advocates hope for a buyer dedicated to preserving the hall’s historic and cultural value. The future use of the hall depends on the forthcoming new ownership. This uncertain but critical moment underscores the importance of the Kendalia Halle's role in Texas Hill Country heritage.

The Kendalia Halle complex, beyond being a potential real estate investment, offers a unique opportunity for various events such as dances, weddings, receptions, and retail, given its visibility and access on a well-traveled state highway.
The sale of the Kendalia Halle represents a significant event for the preservation of its cultural heritage, as the community and preservation advocates, like Texas Dance Hall Preservation, express hope for a buyer who will honor the hall’s historic and cultural value.
As the buyer of the Kendalia Halle Complex, they will inherit a venue that transcends mere real estate; it's a living testament to the region's history, embodying the spirit of Texas Hill Country.
The future of the Kendalia Halle depends on its upcoming new ownership, as the community and preservationists look forward to a buyer who appreciates the hall's historical and cultural significance and is committed to preserving its authentic spirit for future generations.