18 Feb 2016 Preserving a nostalgic Searcy icon

by Sonja J. Keith

The Rialto Theater in historic Downtown Searcy has a special place in the hearts of many White County residents, and soon the 1940s-era structure will get some tender loving care.

The building was constructed around 1923 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, according to Amy Burton, executive director of Main Street Searcy. The existing façade is not original to the building. Constructed in art deco architectural style, it was added in the late 1940s.

“The new and improved Rialto Theater re-opened in the spring of 1949 with that art deco style. That’s when all the neon and everything came into play.”

Although there have been a few minor updates over the years related to maintenance, much of the original theatre has remained. “Other than the loss of a few of the features, there really have not been any changes to that theater since 1949,” Amy said. “When we begin the restoration work, we are going to do everything we can to maintain the historic integrity of that building. We want to rehabilitate the theater back to that art deco style of the late 1940s.”

While there were a few years that it was closed before it reopened in the early 1990s, the city-owned theater for the most part has shown movies since it opened. Victor Weber has operated the family-friendly theater since 1994.

“As far as old downtown theaters go, we’ve been very fortunate it has been operational most of its life,” Amy said, adding that has been a blessing because a vacant building deteriorates more rapidly than an occupied one. 

Victor has taken on the Rialto as a “labor of love,” according to Amy, to keep the theater doors open and extend the life of the building. “He has a lifelong love of movies.”

The single-screen theater, which still has its original curtains, shows second-run movies that provide an affordable outing for individuals and families. “He charges a minimal amount,” Amy said. “He sees people from this entire region who come in . . . He provides a great service to the community.”

While there has been interest in revitalizing the Rialto in the past, organized efforts began last year. Main Street Searcy, the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Searcy Regional Economic Development Corporation established a beautification committee to focus on several local projects, including the Rialto Theatre, the Searcy Holiday of Lights and downtown improvements (streetscapes, landscapes, paving).

“The Holiday of Lights kicked off this last year and it went really well,” Amy said. “The downtown beautification project is set to begin in the next few weeks and that should be done around May.

“Things are just about ready to do a call for bids (for the Rialto improvements) so we’re going to see that happen in the next few weeks with that project getting ready to start real soon.”

Phase 1 of the Rialto revitalization, which will cost about $65,000, includes exterior work on the front of the building, the rehabilitation of the neon lights and v-shaped marquee and painting. “First and foremost is the neon lighting. That is what everybody is nostalgic about with that theater. It’s been dark for many years.” 

There is also some structural work planned to the front, including replacement of the damaged peach-colored Carrera glass on the street level, but that may be challenging. “We are looking at ways to replace that with original historic materials. However, they don’t make that anymore. We’re going through a couple of salvage possibilities.”

Amy said the committee is nearing its financial goal for the Phase 1 improvements, thanks to community donations and general improvement funds. Most of the fundraising took place via word of mouth. Amy has received letters detailing special memories of the Rialto as well as donations from out of state individuals who heard about the project.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting their stories along with their donations,” she said. “It gets me excited about the project. It’s so nice to work on something the community gets behind not only because you know they will support it financially but it’s very rewarding to know you’re doing something the entire community will enjoy.”

Once Phase 1 is completed this year, the committee will consider interior improvements. “Our focus has been on the exterior at this point so we have not made plans for Phase 2 or Phase 3. I don’t know how we’re going to break down the inside of the theater yet.”

Amy said fortunately a lot of the interior architectural features are intact, including light-up signs and a recessed area in the ceiling at the front where a chandelier was once placed. The original wall sconces as well as drapery along the big screen also remain. The interior has a tin ceiling and elaborate crown molding. Work will need to be done to address some plaster issues, the wooden flooring and the seating.

“The interior of the theater is going to be a much larger undertaking than the exterior. Repairing and replacing the neon and doing the electrical work required is no small undertaking but that interior really needs a lot of work. That’s where the true expense comes in.”

Once the exterior is done, Amy and the committee want to maintain the momentum to tackle the next phase. “We need to keep it in the forefront of people’s minds that it’s still ongoing,” adding that donations and volunteers will be needed.

Interior design students at the University of Central Arkansas have offered some ideas and suggestions for revitalizing the inside of the structure as a project in a class taught by K.C. Poole.

The class toured and researched the theater, creating concept boards for the committee.

“They did a lot of research on historic theaters to see what’s appropriate and what types of colors were used in that era. They gave suggestions on everything from carpet and lighting to seat materials, colors. They took it a step further and looked at what we need to do in their renovation to make it more handicap accessible.”

Students suggested ways to bring the Rialto up to modern standards while still maintaining the historic integrity of the building, according to Amy. She added that the Rialto committee is also working with Harding University students on a possible project associated with the theater for next year.

Amy is optimistic that some of the ideas presented by UCA students will be incorporated into the renovation. “They did a great job.”

Growing up in Searcy, Amy has fond memories of the Rialto. “When I was a kid, the Rialto was the only movie theater in town,” she said, adding that the city is the hub of activity for the county. “I have such fond memories of that theater from my childhood.”

Since the project started, Amy has heard many stories about the Rialto and the special place it has in the hearts of those in the community. Among them, she’s heard about those who recall watching Saturday afternoon western movies. “I hear a lot of stories about first kisses and first dates, and people that used to sneak in the side door of the movie theater . . . I’ve loved hearing the stories.”

Amy said organizers are working hard to restore the Rialto and incorporate the rich art deco colors so it will have the look and feel of an “old school, Hollywood movie theater.” She also envisions the Rialto will look like “a piece of our heritage.”