It was originally an Humble Grammar School, an elementary school, which burned down in 1929.  When it was rebuilt, it was purposed as a high school, Charles Bender High, and served the Humble area high school age students until 1965.  In 1965, Humble High School off of Wilson Road was constructed and this building then became a middle school.  The building was later modified and used as the Curriculum and Staff Development Center.  In 2003, after the opening of the Instructional Support Center in Kingwood, the former Charles Bender High School building was abandoned and remained vacant for years.

A local effort to preserve and revitalization the building was led by local area students and teachers.  In 2015, the building was renovated and became the Charles Bender Performing Arts Center.  This beautifully redone, 350 seat venue located in the heart of historical City of Humble, will bring performances within a short driving distances for all Humble residents to enjoy.  With an extremely talented and creative director, Jennifer Wooden Melvin, heading up the come back of this gorgeous venue many great performances and events are in store for the area residents to enjoy.  Join in for the next scheduled upcoming event, Movie Night at the Bender, Saturday May 20th at 6pm.  There will be pre-show fun for the entire family (bounce houses, refreshments, games, etc).  The movie showing will be Moana, so grab the family and head down to tour this beautiful masterpiece.  Check their website for more on location and upcoming events.  Hope to see you there one night, for performing arts close to home, if Northeast Houston is home for you.  http://www.humblepac.com/upcoming-events/

Source:  Wikipedia "Charles Bender High School"  ;  The Chronicle "Humble's Newest Venue"