Restoration Efforts & The Future
The Rivoli closed in 1992 and was listed on Indiana Landmark’s 10 Most Endangered List two years in a row in 2015 and 2016.
Marquee Restoration
Due to the original Rivoli Theater marquee’s severe deterioration, restoration was no longer possible. Instead, Ignition Arts created a historically accurate replica of the theater’s iconic 1927 marquee. With very little of the original structure remaining, the design was recreated primarily from historic photographs and brought to life using 3D modeling software.
Exterior Restoration
In 2024, Congressman André Carson secured $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding for the Rivoli Building Rehabilitation project. Priority renovations include fabricating and installing historic window replacements, installing red Ludlowici clay tiles on the roof, fabricating and installing historic storefront windows and doors, repairing 2nd-floor windows, and repairing downspouts and gutters.
Roof Restoration
Replacing the roofs that collapsed over both the theatre portion and main entrance was the priority which helped ensure that the Rivoli was stabilized for a future reuse.
Since 2007 there has been nearly $500,000 of investment into the restoration of the Rivoli which was made possible by Federal Community Block Development Grants issued through the City of Indianapolis and support from the Efroymson Family Fund. Indiana Landmarks has also provided financial, administrative, and directional support.
John Boner Neighborhood Centers & the Lilly Endowment Investment
In December 2018, Lilly Endowment announced that John Boner Neighborhood Centers was awarded a $4.3 million grant through its Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation Initiative. The focus of this grant was specifically on 10th Street and to increase arts access and programming along the corridor. A portion of the grant from Lilly Endowment was dedicated to conducting a reuse study for the Rivoli Theatre and to restore the historic Rivoli marquee.
Reuse Study
In April 2019, John Boner Neighborhood Centers issued a national Request for Proposals (RFP) for a reuse consultant for the Rivoli Theatre. A total of (10) local and regional submissions were received and (4) firms were interviewed. DLR Group was selected as the consultant engaged to complete a reuse study. DLR Group had an impressive portfolio of comparable historic theatre reuse projects and work with arts districts throughout the country. DLR Group with engaged in July 2019 and their work will conclude by the end of 2019. Their scope will include case studies of comparable projects, robust community engagement sessions at both the civic and neighborhood level, the creation of viable reuse scenarios, a capital plan and operating proformas. A Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the City, eastside residents and 10 East project team leaders will help guide this reuse work.
