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After more than 60 years the oldest theater in Houston is still going strong.

KHOU-TV

River Oaks Theater, a 60-year-old landmark in Houston.

But soon,movie fans may have to go somewhere else.

Three Brothers’ Bakery has been a sweet spot in this shopping center for 17 years

But it could be closing up shop.  Like many other businesses here, it is on a month-to-month lease.  There may be changes in the landscape.

“It’ll be replaced by a large Barnes and Noble and what we understand will be a multi-story parking garage,” said David Bush of the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance.

The unofficial word is that one block on both sides of West Gray may be razed for condos.

“Our understanding is by 2008 things will be different here,” said Bush.

The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance said that would destroy important 1930s Art Deco architecture.

Perhaps the best known landmark at risk is the River Oaks Theatre.

“To build what, a high rise? Well that’s ridiculous, but that’s typical of Houston. If it’s over 20 years old, we may as well tear it down and build something new,” said native Houstonian Phil Ziegler.

An online petition began Saturday to save the theatre and by Wednesday evening had gotten more than 11,000 responses.

The corporate owners of the theater said “Landmark Theatres is 100 percent committed to the historic River Oaks Theatre. We hope to continue for a very long time.”

We also reached Weingarten Realty, which operates the center.

“We will continue to manage this asset with great care. We do not comment on market rumors,” their written response said in part.

Others like the condo idea and new retail. On one Web site, a supporter says bluntly, “build the theatre somewhere else.”