Arts & Entertainment

Confirmed: The Rialto Sign Is Coming Down

The decision to remove the sign was made to ensure public safety, said Interim City Manager Sergio Gonzalez.

Update: The historic Rialto sign will be removed from the front of the theater due to damaged anchoring and danger of falling, Patch confirmed Wednesday. 

"City will have it stored as it is a historically significant sign in hopes of repairing and reusing it someday," said Councilmember Marina Khubesrian. 

The decision to remove the sign was made to ensure public safety, said Interim City Manager Sergio Gonzalez.  

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We are working closely with the leaseholder Landmark Theatres, Preservation Community and our City Building Official to determine how soon the sign needs to come down to avoid a disaster," he said.  

"We have blocked the sidewalk and restricted pedestrian access to be safe. It seems as though the sign’s integrity continues to be compromised."

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The recent windstorm, Gonzalez said, certainly contributed to the sign's poor condition.  

"Whether taking the sign down due to safety concerns lessens its chances of reopening, it’s difficult to say," he continued. "The bottom line is that we need to find the business model that would not just reopen the theater but one that keeps it open for generations to come."

Original Article: Patch got word Wednesday that the huge sign attached to the historic Rialto Theatre may be taken down soon. And as in soon, we mean today. 

Now this is only a rumor—we heard the news from someone who heard it from someone else. But with caution tape and signs blocking off the sidewalk beneath the sign, we can't help but think there may be some truth to all of this. 

Patch columnist Laurie Allee tweeted today: 

Rumor: historic South #Pasadena #Rialto Theatre sign being removed for safety. Is there hope for #restoration now? #LA 

See her tweet attached. 

A quick glance at the structure will show that the ceiling below the sign is caving, which we're sure is some sort of safety hazard. 

But really, the sign! All of South Pas would be so sad to see it go. 

Stay tuned as this story develops. 

Until we nail this down, what rumors have you heard? Do you think the sign should be taken down? And if they do take it down, where should we put it? 


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