DLR Presentation Recap | 6 Potential Reuse Opportunities for The Rivoli
On September 23, 2019, DLR Group conducted a presentation for the community at the John Boner Neighborhood Center based on their findings from research, community conversations, and comparable historic theatre reuse concepts.
On September 23, 2019, DLR Group conducted a presentation for the community at the John Boner Neighborhood Center based on their findings from research, community conversations, and comparable historic theatre reuse concepts. Six possible reuse scenarios for the Rivoli were presented, which included themes focusing on: Children, Food & Drink, Sports, Entertainment, Education & Business, Health & Wellness. Click here to view the community presentation.
You're Invited | Rivoli Reuse Community Presentation + Input + Rivoli Tours
September 23 - 25, 2019, we're hosting a series of events that will help us shape the future of The Rivoli and we hope you'll join us!
September 23 - 25, 2019, we're hosting a series of events that will help us shape the future of The Rivoli and we hope you'll join us!
Community Presentation
Rivoli Reuse Findings + 6 Reuse Ideas
Date + Time
Sept. 23, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Location Boner Center
2236 E 10th Street Indianapolis, IN 46201
Presentation Includes: • A summary of community outreach, research and findings to date • Examples of comparable historic theatre reuse projects in other cities • An overview of (6) Rivoli reuse themes that ha
ve emerged from community input • Visual renderings of each of the 6 possible reuse scenarios • Additional community input opportunities
Can’t attend this community presentation? Stop by our Rivoli Reuse Headquarters at 3202 E. 10th St., Indy 46201 on September 24 or 25 anytime between 11am-7:30pm. ‘
See the possible reuse plans for the Rivoli and share your input on six different possible reuse ideas.
Let us know if you're planning on attending
Rivoli Reuse Rindings + Six Reuse Ideas
Date + Time
Sept. 24 + 25, 11 A.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Location Rivoli Reuse Headquarters
3202 E. 10th St., Indy
Rivoli Reuse | We want your input! 6 themes for the reuse of the Rivoli have emerged from community conversations.
Drop into our Reuse Headquarters anytime between 11 A.M.-7:30 P.M. on September 24 + 25 to see the ideas and share your thoughts. Stay as little or as long as you like.
Tour the Rivoli Rivoli Tours will be offered every hour on the hour between 11am-7:30pm (Limit: 15 people/tour).
We strongly recommend booking a tour time in advance.
Donate your Historic Rivoli Memorabilia and Artifacts
John Boner Neighborhood Centers recently acquired some important Rivoli memorabilia and artifacts. Included in these artifacts are the original interior neon signs from the historic Rivoli Theatre, concession stands signage, and a check register from when the venue was operational.
John Boner Neighborhood Centers recently acquired some important Rivoli memorabilia and artifacts. Included in these artifacts are the original interior neon signs from the historic Rivoli Theatre, concession stands signage, and a check register from when the venue was operational.
These items are incredibly unique and an important part of the Rivoli’s history and we're so excited to have them to in our Rivoli collection. We've even restored all of the neon signs to their former glory and will have them on display at a future date.
If you have historic Rivoli memorabilia that would you like to donate and have preserved contact 10eastarts@jbncenters.org
Eastside Scan-a-thon and Story Collection Recap
From August 1 - 3, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, hosted an eastside scan-a-thon and story collection session at Audrey's Thrift store on the near eastside.
From August 1 - 3, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, hosted an eastside scan-a-thon and story collection session at Audrey's Thrift store on the near eastside.
Participants were asked to bring old photographs and memorabilia to have scanned into the Indiana Album archive. It was fun to see all the old photographs of the landmarks, and people from the neighborhood. In addition to sharing photographs and memorabilia, participants also had the opportunity to verbally share their stories. Volunteers were available to record these stories.
This event was supported by Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Humanities, The Indiana Album, and the Indiana Historical Society.
Rivoli Reuse Community Visioning Event Recap
On June 22, 2019, John Boner Neighborhood Centers Hosted a Community Visioning Event for the Rivoli. Organizers wanted to hear directly from residents about their dreams and big ideas for the reuse of the Rivoli.
On June 22, 2019, John Boner Neighborhood Centers Hosted a Community Visioning Event for the Rivoli. Organizers wanted to hear directly from residents about their dreams and big ideas for the reuse of the Rivoli. We were excited to invite our Rivoli Reuse partner, DLR Group to Indianapolis to facilitate the event.
The evening was structured like an open house and participants were invited to visit several activity stations throughout the evening. One of the stations had a blank floor plan of the building and invited participants to draw their ideas for the space. Click here for a link to the blank floor plan.
DLR Group to Lead Rivoli Reuse Study
Through a competitive Request for Proposal Process DLR Group was selected as the firm retained to lead the Rivoli Reuse Study. This work is funded by a grant that the John Boner Neighborhood Centers received from Lilly Endowment in December 2018.
Through a competitive Request for Proposal Process DLR Group was selected as the firm retained to lead the Rivoli Reuse Study. This work is funded by a grant that the John Boner Neighborhood Centers received from Lilly Endowment in December 2018.
Through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, John Boner Neighborhood Centers retained DLR Group to complete the feasibility study for the Rivoli which includes the following specific tasks:
Assess the viability of, and potential for, reactivating the Rivoli Theatre based on the existing market, user demand, facility supply, and potential benefits and impacts
Identify 3 to 5 case studies of facilities comparable to the Rivoli Theatre in communities like the Near Eastside and East 10th Street corridor, highlighting lessons learned and keys to success
Develop 5 to 7 reuse scenarios for the Rivoli Theatre, including potential partners, space plans, basic operating proformas, and capital cost estimates
Select a concept and create a business plan for operations, schematic drawings, and capital cost estimates
Develop an approach to connect the Rivoli Theatre and other Near Eastside community assets and planning efforts on the western edge of the 10th Street Corridor and Massachusetts Avenue
You can read the full DLR scope of work here.
Rivoli Reuse Study and Marquee Restoration Included in Lilly Endowment Grant
In December 2018, John Boner Neighborhood Centers received notification that they were awarded a $4,300,000 grant from Lilly Endowment as part of its Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Culture Innovation Initiative.
In December 2018, John Boner Neighborhood Centers received notification that they were awarded a $4,300,000 grant from Lilly Endowment as part of its Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Culture Innovation Initiative. Grant funding is intended to support efforts and arts programing in 2019, 2020 and 2021 along the east 10th Street corridor. A portion of this Lilly Endowment support is dedicated to restoring the historic Rivoli marquee and also conducting a reuse study for the Rivoli.
For more information about Lilly Endowment click here.
It’s time to get a new roof over our head!
Restoration has been the plan and that included finishing the roof. The auditorium roof was replaced in 2014 and that section is dry and protected. The remaining roof section covers the front portion of the Rivoli facing 10th Street. That roof , upon finishing, will secure the building. The new roof will eventually feature terra cotta barrel tiles, just like the original roof.
“Why don’t you just tear it down?”
It’s an oft-asked question that breaks our hearts. That said, we understand. The Rivoli has been empty for decades and, in its current state, it is an eyesore. But tearing down the Rivoli has never been an option for us.
It’s not part of the plan. Restoration has been the plan and that included finishing the roof. The auditorium roof was replaced in 2014 and that section is dry and protected. The remaining roof section covers the front portion of the Rivoli facing 10th Street. That roof , upon finishing, will secure the building. The new roof will eventually feature terra cotta barrel tiles, just like the original roof.
It’s a heck of a project.
But funding was secured in 2017, the project was reviewed and approved by the city, then the meticulous bidding process began to find a firm capable of this historic renovation procedure. We received a substantial grant ($300,000) through the Community Development Block program. We also received funds from the Efroymson Family Fund, a personal foundation of the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). and Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC)—which is dedicated to improving the quality of neighborhoods—is providing support as well.
In short, we were thrilled...and thrilled again
Knowing that we finally had plans for a new roof was exciting! Knowing that we have support from some of Indy’s most respected organizations meant even more. It’s humbling, really. Because, without them, we could not have moved forward with the roof project.
More help came early in 2018 as a new community organization agreed to buy the Rivoli property. Inspire East 10th Street LLC, is a company formed for the purpose of promoting the revitalization of the East 10th Street corridor, including the area surrounding the Rivoli Theatre. John Boner Neighborhood Center is the managing partner of the LLC. Englewood Community Development Corp. and Near East Area Renewal are the other two members of the LLC.
However, since the funds from the Community Development Block program, the Efroymson Family Fund, and LISC are allocated for the roof project, we still need your help!
Your continued financial support of the Rivoli's basic needs is essential!
The day-to-day operating expenses, building security, insurance, property tax... They even cover the cost of the streetlight out back.
Your donations have been, and continue to be, crucial to the Rivoli's survival. Without you, there would not be a building on which to put a roof!
Speaking of, the roof project is set to be complete in 2019. After that, we can start on the fun stuff—redoing the marquee, for instance. Working on the electrical. The plumbing. Removing plaster from the inside and making the Rivoli grand once again.
You can donate to the Rivoli project here.
Sure, it’s going to be a lot of work.
But know this: when we acquired the theater, the roof was already punctured with holes. Tarps, five-gallon buckets, and plastic swimming pools were spaced about the property, catching some, but not all, of the water. There was no heat or electricity. Mushrooms grew inside.
It wasn’t pretty.
All the same, we didn’t tear it down.
We believe the Rivoli is an Eastside anchor, and a place for opportunity, community, and culture. The Efroymson Family Fund, LISC, and the City of Indianapolis agree.