KENDALIA, Texas — Kendalia Halle, a historic dance hall built in 1903, is listed for sale nearly a year after its abrupt closure in July 2024. The property, encompassing the dance hall, the 1911 Elbel Building, and an adjacent residence, is priced at $550,000 and is being marketed by Schwab Ranch Investments.
The complex is located in the unincorporated community of Kendalia in Kendall County, approximately 45 miles north of San Antonio. Kendalia Halle has long served as a venue for dances, concerts, weddings, and community events. The hall’s sudden closure last summer, attributed to “unforeseen circumstances,” left many in the community surprised and uncertain about its future.
Owners Lee and Judi Temple, who have maintained the venue since 1995, have not publicly disclosed the reasons for the closure or the decision to sell. Texas Dance Hall Preservation commended the Temples for their stewardship and urged the public to respect their privacy.
The property features a 3,500-square-foot dance hall constructed from red fir lumber transported from Oregon, a wooden stage, dance floor, and outdoor areas shaded by oak trees. The Elbel Building, once a bar and storefront, and an 825-square-foot residence are also included in the sale.
John Faulk, president of Texas Dance Hall Preservation, emphasized the cultural significance of Kendalia Halle. “This moment is not just a real estate transaction—it’s a crossroads for the future of our shared heritage,” he said.
The listing has garnered interest from potential buyers, with hopes that the new owner will preserve the hall’s historical and cultural legacy. Broker Bobby Schwab noted the property’s strategic location between Interstate 10 and U.S. 281, suggesting its potential as a vibrant part of the growing Hill Country community