One Last Push for Rialto Theater
Major grant puts theater closer to completion

An exciting boost for The Rialto Theater in Deer Lodge recently came in the form of a $100,000 donation from an anonymous foundation. “We are excited not only by the size of the grant and their confidence in us, but also by the fact that we figure we now need less than $393,000 to finish the project,” said Rialto President, Steve Owens who has never given up on the Rialto, even after the 2006 fire that almost consumed it. “Our goal is still to finish by the end of 2011, in time for the school Christmas programs.” 

After five years and an amazing $2.9 million in donations, Owens is leading the Rialto Theater into the home stretch of restoration work and the Board is pushing full-steam ahead to raise the funds for all the finishing touches. “We have dozens of other grant applications submitted and are working on some more” said Owens.  “Last week we sent a "Final Push" letter to almost 900 of our previous donors and 2% of them responded in the next two days.  We hope that heartening start is only the beginning of something great.”

Meanwhile, work continues on the façade, which includes replacing all the oval and office windows, the new front doors, repairs to the marquee, and work on the terra cotta, brick, and stone.  This portion of the restoration cost is $153,435, with $110,887 coming from the Montana Department of Transportation through the City of Deer Lodge and $42,548 in match from fundraising. Work funded by the state’s historic preservation stimulus grant is completed, which included wood trim and finishes, interior wood doors and exterior metal doors, and masonry work on the south side and rear of the building.

Be a part of history and join hundreds of others who have helped bring back the Rialto. Click on the pictures to Donate via PayPal and get in on their final push! Or, send a donation to Rialto Theater Restoration Fund, PO Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.