Rialto Theater (Omaha, Nebraska)

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Rialto Theater
Rialto Theater, Omaha - In Old Kentucky (1919) 1.jpg
Rialto Theater showing the film In Old Kentucky, circa 1919
Rialto Theater (Omaha, Nebraska)
Interactive map of Rialto Theater
Address1424 Douglas Street
Omaha, Nebraska
United States
Coordinates 41°15′32″N95°56′07″W / 41.2590°N 95.9353°W / 41.2590; -95.9353
OwnerBlank Realty Co.
Type Movie theater
Capacity2,500
Construction
OpenedMay 30, 1918 (1918-05-30)
Demolished1986
Years active1918–1929
Architect John Latenser & Sons

The Rialto Theater was a movie theater located in Downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The theater opened in 1918 and closed in 1929. The theater was razed in 1986 to build a parking lot.

Contents

History

Arch Detail, Rialto Theater Rialto Theater, Omaha - In Old Kentucky (1919) 2.jpg
Arch Detail, Rialto Theater

The Rialto Theater was announced in 1917 as a theater, store, and office building. The building was built for the Blank Realty Company. Designed by John Latenser & Sons, the theater had a capacity of 2,500 people and broke ground later that year. [1] Rialto Theater officially opened on May 30, 1918. [2] In 1929, Rialto moved to a new location at the Gotham Building on South Main Street. [3] The former theater was sold and then converted into a Pickwick-Greyhound Terminal. [4]

Following the theater's move, the building was remodeled for commercial use. The final tenant of the building, Natelson's Inc., moved out of the building in 1985, leaving the building vacant. [5] In 1986, it was announced that the theater would be demolished. While attempts were made to save the facade, the Kiewit Foundation rejected recommendations, and demolition was completed later that year. [6]

Architecture

The Rialto Theater was designed by John Latenser & Sons. The theater was of steel frame construction with concrete and masonry walls. [7] The theater had a total capacity of 2,500 people. The theater's exterior was of old ivory and terra cotta, with accents of polychrome blues and reds. [8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "RIALTO THEATER, STORE AND OFFICE BUILDING". Sunday World-Herald. September 2, 1917. p. 1. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  2. ↑ "New Rialto Opens". The Excelsior. June 1, 1918. p. 7. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  3. ↑ "RIALTO THEATER TO HAVE NEW HOME". Franklin County Sentinel. January 9, 1930. p. 1. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  4. ↑ "New Pickwick-Greyhound Terminal". The World-Herald. June 27, 1930. p. 13. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Natelson's to leave downtown Omaha". The Lincoln Star. November 25, 1985. p. 8. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Rialto Demolition to Proceed". Omaha World-Herald. February 19, 1986. p. 17. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  7. ↑ Jeffrey S. Spencer [writer and researcher], Kristine Gerber [project director] (2003). Building for the ages : Omaha's architectural landmarks (1st ed.). Omaha, Neb.: Omaha Books. ISBN   0-9745410-1-X.
  8. ↑ "Terra Cotta On Rialto". The Omaha World-Herald Newspaper, Omaha, Douglas County, NE, USA. February 17, 1918. p. 11.
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