The Angelika Film Center — Houston's downtown haven for artsy films — unexpectedly shuttered this morning, leaving a hole in the middle of the city's entertainment district.

Brown paper was placed over the full-length doors, blocking the view into the lobby and a white sign reading "We regret to inform you that The Angelika Film Center has closed today. After 13 years of continued service to the Houston community, the Angelika's lease has been terminated by the Angelika's landlord, Bayou Place Limited Partnership, an affiliate of the Cordish Company" hangs in the box office window.

Movie goers showing up to catch the first scheduled films of this Sunday were met by a woman in the box office who reimbursed the parking costs of those who parked in the garage with cash and turned them away. "They may relocate, but probably not," the Angelika worker told CultureMap's Nic Phillips.

The closing of the Angelika comes on the same day that Houston celebrates The Capital One Bank Theater District Open House all around it, a day that's meant to showcase all the performing arts and cultural options the city has.

Earlier this month, the Angelika went without air conditioning (as first reported by CultureMap.com) in two of its theaters and the lobby for several weeks and its California parent company refused to answer phone calls on the issue. Air conditioning was never restored to the lobby.

Movies played as usual at the Angelika on Saturday night, but by 11 a.m. this morning, the building was covered in that brown paper, the white closing signs were up and the box office marquee was bare — all the movie names were taken off, leaving an empty black facade. For more details, stay tuned to CultureMap throughout the day.