Rialto Theater Building
Year Listed: 2008
County: Alamosa County
Status: ALERT
Context: Entertainment
Date Constructed: 1925
Significance:
The mid-1920s brought a brand new theater to the Main Street of Alamosa – the Rialto. Constructed by the American Legion as a lodge hall, it was also a venue for plays, music, Vaudeville, talent shows and movies; Vice President Charles Dawes helped to lay the cornerstone in 1925. The Rialto, the American Legion’s monument to the community, was truly the social center of the San Luis Valley.
Threat When Listed:
In 2003, the entire theater portion of the structure was destroyed in a fire, and in 2005, the City of Alamosa issued a Certificate of Dangerous Building and ordered the entire structure demolished. A Historic Structure Assessment found that the theater hall was a total loss and had to be taken down. However, the front portion of the building, structurally separate, was saved. However, the Certificate of Dangerous Building has not been revoked, and the structure could be demolished at anytime. Fortunately, the Rialto now has new owners who want to turn the building into a restaurant and catering facility, but this project is a daunting financial investment, and the Rialto remains in danger of being lost.
Since Listing:
Last Update:
February 2008