INDIANAPOLIS — As part of the 10th Street Arts grant, the John Boner Neighborhood Centers received from the Lilly Endowment, a reuse study has been conducted. There will be Rivoli Community Presentation of the findings on Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at the John Boner Neighborhood Center, 2236 E. 10th St. The public is invited to the presentation, which will include:
• A summary of community outreach, research, and findings to date.
• Examples of other historic theatre reuse projects in other cities.
• An overview of six Rivoli reuse themes that have emerged from community input.
• Visual renderings of possible scenarios.
• Additional community input opportunities.
Individuals interested in the project but who cannot attend the meeting are encouraged to stop by the Rivoli Reuse Headquarters at 3202 E. 10th St. on Tuesday, Sept. 24 or Wednesday, Sept. 25 any time from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. to see the possible reuse plans and share ideas. For more information or questions, contact Joanna Nixon at jnixon@jbncenter.org or call 317-258-3139.
The Rivoli Theatre was built in 1927 as the first Universal Studios owned theatre in Indiana. A Spanish Mission Revival style building, the theatre was known for its beautiful interior details and highly decorated lobby. It sat 1,500 patrons, and was designed not only for movies, but also for theatrical stage productions. There was a large back stage area complete with dressing rooms. The Rivoli was also noted for great acoustics.
Universal sold the theatre to Joseph Cantor in 1937, who operated it for live performances as well as motion pictures. He owned it until 1952, when it was sold to the Kranings, who showed second run movies and concerts until they sold it to Thomas Ferree in 1970. He installed a new pipe organ, and remodeled the stage to accommodate live concerts. Bands like Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Golden Earring graced the stage in the 1970s. In 1974, silver screen legend Gloria Swanson made an appearance at the Rivoli to talk about her film career and introduce the film “Queen Kelly,” the last silent movie she starred in 1929.
The next owner, Charles Chulchian, bought the theatre in 1976, operated the theatre as a movie house, and eventually closed it in 1992. It sat empty for years, and began to seriously deteriorate until acquired by the Rivoli Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. in 2007 and restoration efforts started.
Part of the roof of the Rivoli has been reconstructed, and more work on the roof will be needed soon. The area around the building was cleaned up and debris removed. In addition, the marquee was removed for repair and renovation. Currently, Inspire 10th Street is working on developing the Rivoli and the surrounding 10th Street community. It is hoped that a revitalized Rivoli Theatre will also spur more development in the area.
