Rapert Leases Theater to Churches

Jimmy Rapert, owner of the Dickson Street Theater in Fayetteville, said he has been leasing the building to churches two nights a week.

The University of Arkansas’ Campus Crusade for Christ leases the building for a Tuesday night service, and The Grove Church has it on Sunday nights.

“That’s been a blessing,” Rapert said. “That’s what it has been because it’s two nights a week when I wouldn’t have had steady income.”

The 4,500-SF building at 227 W. Dickson St. has been primarily a music venue since Rapert and Benton Bandy opened the Dickson Street Theater there in 2001, although the building sometimes serves as a movie theater.

Rapert bought the building in September from James McConnell. County records indicate Rapert paid about $205,000 for the building, but he had already paid for the renovation work. The building appraised for $410,000 three months Rapert bought it. Since the theater opened, Wade Ogle has joined Rapert and Bandy as a partner in the business.

Rapert said the churches that are leasing the building have music-based services.

The building can seat about 340 people.

Rapert also owns J.R.’s Lightbulb Club and Pizzeria in Fayetteville.