How Should We Save The Rialto Theatre? (Discussion)

The Rialto sign can be saved if lessee Landmark Theatres fronts the money, Pasadena Star-News reported Monday.

"Would the sign be fine after the repairs? Absolutely. Do repairs need to be made? Yes," the City's Building Official Craig Melicher told the publication.

Structural engineer, Michael Krakower, presented to the City Monday two possible options to allow the sign to be repaired and/or be reinforced in place.

"The City has an expectation that Landmark will follow through with one of the options," Interim City Manager Sergio Gonzalez said Tuesday, adding that Krakower will be presenting those options to Landmark this week. 

"At this point, the city’s building official, based on the information provided, believes that the sign poses no imminent threat to public property," he continued.  

But the debate on whether the sign will stay or go sheds light on a bigger issue: What needs to be done to reopen the Rialto? And whose going to step up to the plate?

Some community members are offering up ideas:

Doug Leigh writes on South Pasadena Patch's Facebook page: What I don't know about the Rialto could fill a volume, but does not the theatre's placement on the National Register of Historic Places and CA National Register of Historic Places compel preservation? Failing that, how about a kickstarter.com campaign? How much money are we talking about here?

Friends of the Rialto's Escott Norton replies: Hi Doug, The Rialto is on the National Register, but that alone does not protect against "demolition by neglect." As for a Kickstarter campaign, the Friends of the Rialto can accept tax deductible donations via our website. At this point the cost of stabilizing vs. removing is not public information. We are in contact with all of the parties involved in the decision making. If it looks like we need to do a quick fundraising drive, we will announce it on our website and Facebook page.

Patch columnist Laurie Allees blogs: Let Landmark Theaters know that since they have the power—and the keys to the place—we really, really, really need their help to save the Rialto. You can write them online here or send mail to: Customer Service Landmark Theatres; 2222 South Barrington Avenue; Los Angeles, California 90064.

Patch Asks: What are your ideas for saving the Rialto? How should the community come together to make this happen?

Related: 

Check out Laurie Allee's attached video for history and commentary on the Rialto.