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Public views sought on sale of theatre

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 12:54 GMT by BBC
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In the latest move to revitalize a once‑vibrant cultural landmark, the City Council has opened a public comment period on the proposed sale of the historic Riverside Theatre. The decision, announced in a press release on Tuesday, seeks to balance the building’s storied past with its potential future as a mixed‑use development. The Riverside Theatre, a 1,200‑seat venue that opened its doors in 1929, has long been a fixture of downtown’s entertainment scene, hosting everything from Broadway touring productions to community‑run plays. With its Art Deco façade and ornate interior, the theatre is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The City’s Rationale

According to the council’s statement, the city has entered into an agreement with a private developer, Horizon Properties, to purchase the theatre for $12 million. The developer has pledged to restore the façade and preserve the lobby, while converting the auditorium into a state‑of‑the‑art concert hall and the surrounding land into boutique retail and residential units. “We are committed to honoring the historic significance of this landmark while adapting it to meet contemporary needs,” Horizon spokesperson Mark Alvarez said. “The restoration will not only preserve the aesthetic heritage of Riverside but will also provide economic opportunities for the neighborhood.”

City Councilmember Carla Mendoza, who chairs the Cultural Affairs Committee, explained that the sale is part of a broader plan to stabilize a block that has struggled with vacancies and under‑used properties for the past decade. “The theatre has outlived its original purpose as a movie house, but its architectural integrity is something we cannot let fall to neglect,” Mendoza said. “By partnering with a developer that values historic preservation, we aim to breathe new life into this space while ensuring it remains an accessible cultural hub.”

Community Response

Public reaction to the proposal has been mixed. In a statement released on the same day, the Riverside Historical Society (RHS) welcomed the developer’s pledge to preserve key elements of the theatre, but warned that the plan could threaten the venue’s function as a community space. “The Riverside Theatre is not just a building; it’s a living institution that has served generations,” said RHS President Linda Park. “Any changes that limit public access or restrict programming for community groups must be carefully reconsidered.”

A series of public meetings scheduled for the next two weeks will allow residents, business owners, preservation advocates, and potential tenants to voice their opinions. The city’s website lists the meeting times, locations, and how to submit written comments. The online portal also features a Q&A section that addresses common concerns about zoning changes, parking, and the projected impact on local traffic.

In addition to the public forum, Horizon Properties has released a preliminary site plan, which includes a 30‑story tower above the theatre’s former rear parking lot. The tower’s design incorporates a glass façade that references the original Art Deco motifs, and the ground floor will host a coffee shop and a small museum dedicated to the theatre’s history. The developer claims the tower’s height will be limited to comply with the “Riverside Preservation Act,” a local ordinance that restricts buildings within 200 feet of historic landmarks.

Historical Context

The Riverside Theatre’s roots trace back to the early 20th century, when it was built by entrepreneur Frank L. Mitchell as a vaudeville house. In 1945, it transitioned to a movie palace, showcasing Hollywood’s golden age. The theatre survived the decline of single‑screen cinemas thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers who formed the Riverside Community Arts Collective in the 1980s. The collective staged original productions and taught acting workshops, cementing the theatre’s role as a community cornerstone.

A 2015 investigative piece by the New York Daily News highlighted the theatre’s financial struggles, noting that it had accrued over $5 million in debt by 2014. The collective’s efforts were ultimately unsustainable, leading to the city’s decision to intervene. The city’s purchase of the property in 2016 was seen as a lifeline, but critics argued that the sale price was too low and that the developer had no obligation to maintain the theatre’s public character.

Preservation and Economic Incentives

Horizon Properties has secured a 15‑year tax abatement for the restoration work, citing the potential to boost tourism and attract high‑end shoppers to the area. The developer also plans to collaborate with the Riverside Community Arts Collective to provide discounted tickets and educational programs. “We want to ensure that the theatre remains a gathering place for all ages,” Alvarez said.

The city’s Economic Development Office highlighted that the mixed‑use project could create up to 400 jobs during construction and an additional 200 permanent jobs once the tower and the theatre are operational. In a related article on the city’s website, the Economic Development Director, Susan Lee, emphasized that the redevelopment would align with the city’s goal to increase downtown density and reduce the “vacant lot” problem that has plagued the area for years.

Next Steps

The city’s public comment period will run until August 15, with a final decision slated for a council vote on September 12. The Riverside Historical Society has called on residents to attend the upcoming meetings and to submit written comments via the online portal. Horizon Properties will present a more detailed restoration timeline at the next public hearing, after which the council will evaluate whether the developer’s plans meet the city’s historic preservation standards.

Whether the Riverside Theatre will become a vibrant, mixed‑use landmark while retaining its community‑centric ethos remains to be seen. The outcome of the public comment period and the subsequent council vote will shape the theatre’s destiny, influencing not only its architectural future but also the cultural fabric of downtown for decades to come.