The City of Reno is excited to share various restoration plans for the Lear Theater in 2024. From interior inspections to exterior landscape renovations, the new year will bring $1,000,000 in upgrades to the historic building that first opened in 1939. Located at 501 Riverside Drive, the Lear is a member of the National, State, and Local Registers of Historic Places and holds a significant place in Reno's history.
In collaboration with the City’s Historical Resources Commission (HRC), the City identified several new year projects to stabilize the building and protect it from deterioration while more information is gathered about its current condition:
-
Clean and inspect the interior of the building to identify any urgent issues that threaten damage to the building (for example, broken windows, evidence of pest infestation, or water damage).
-
Restore the historic landscaping to include a new lawn and border plantings, irrigation repair, and installation of outdoor electrical power.
-
Improve building security by installing an attractive perimeter fence, repair existing exterior lighting, and install wireless security cameras.
-
Engage a consultant to perform a Historic Structure Report to evaluate the building’s current condition and recommend new uses that are compatible with the building’s historic fabric.
Anticipated start for landscaping, concrete work, lighting, electrical upgrades, and fencing is set for spring 2024.
“This beloved and iconic landmark is special to so many of us in the Biggest Little City,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “The structure is one of the most well-known historic buildings in the City, and we are working hard to ensure this piece of the past will have a place in Reno’s future.”
The City Council purchased the building from Artown, and took possession on February 23, 2023. At the City Council meeting on March 8, 2023, councilmembers voted to allocate $1M in American Rescue Plan Act funding to revitalize and safeguard the Lear. The City has already issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Historic Structures Report with a closing date of January 29, 2024. The HRC will review qualifications on February 8, 2024, and work on the structural report is slated to begin immediately, with completion expected by September 1, 2024.
“As a longtime advocate for our City's historic resources I'm thrilled that we were able to allocate $1,000,000 of ARPA funding to the Lear Theater,” said Vice Mayor Naomi Duerr, the Council Liaison to the HRC. "I think the funds will be transformational and help move us toward fulfilling the community's vision to expand our historic, arts, and cultural resources. I'm eager to continue collaborating with the HRC and community partners on this special project.”
The Lear is recognized for its distinctive Neoclassical Revival architectural style as well as for being the work of a master, the renowned architect Paul Revere Williams. Williams is a nationally recognized architect who became known for designing homes for some of Hollywood’s most recognizable celebrities including Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra.
To facilitate transparency and public engagement, the City of Reno created this dedicated webpage on its website. The perimeter fencing features signs with a QR code, providing easy access to project updates and information.
