Rialto Theater (Omaha, Nebraska)
Rialto Theater showing the film In Old Kentucky, circa 1919 | |
Interactive map of Rialto Theater | |
| Address | 1424 Douglas Street Omaha, Nebraska United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°15′32″N 95°56′07″W / 41.2590°N 95.9353°W |
| Owner | Blank Realty Co. |
| Type | Movie theater |
| Capacity | 2,500 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | May 30, 1918 |
| Demolished | 1986 |
| Years active | 1918–1929 |
| 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.
History
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
- ^ "RIALTO THEATER, STORE AND OFFICE BUILDING". Sunday World-Herald. September 2, 1917. p. 1. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ "New Rialto Opens". The Excelsior. June 1, 1918. p. 7. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ "RIALTO THEATER TO HAVE NEW HOME". Franklin County Sentinel. January 9, 1930. p. 1. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ "New Pickwick-Greyhound Terminal". The World-Herald. June 27, 1930. p. 13. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ "Natelson's to leave downtown Omaha". The Lincoln Star. November 25, 1985. p. 8. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ "Rialto Demolition to Proceed". Omaha World-Herald. February 19, 1986. p. 17. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Terra Cotta On Rialto". The Omaha World-Herald Newspaper, Omaha, Douglas County, NE, USA. February 17, 1918. p. 11.
External links
- Rialto Theater at Cinema Treasures
- Street View of Rialto Theater