Historic Rialto Theatre in Joliet faces big repair bills

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - The historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet may undergo another long list of repairs costing $1 million.

Building Manager Mike Biedron says some of the work is needed just to keep the building safe after the discovery that pieces of terra cotta decorating the outside walls are splitting.

The Rialto opened in 1926 as a vaudeville movie palace and later became a performing arts center. The ornate theater was designed by architects Rapp & Rapp and features work by sculptor Eugene Romeo.

Biedron says deferred maintenance has taken its toll.

The (Joliet) Herald-News reports (http://bit.ly/1Kd0DQo ) that even after a $5 million capital campaign that's coming to an end, the Rialto may have to start a new one.

The to-do list includes fixing a crumbling chimney and keeping the boilers running.

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Information from: The Herald-News, http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews