Rialto Theatre
23 E. Galena Boulevard,
Aurora,
IL
60505
23 E. Galena Boulevard,
Aurora,
IL
60505
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The Rialto Theatre was built in 1919, opening on February 23, 1920 with Wallace Reid in “Double Speed”. It was conversion of what was formerly the Sylvandale Dance Hall, built only a few years earlier. This ornate and luxurious theatre could seat about 2,250, had a 3 manuals Barton pipe organ, and a bowling alley in the basement.
In 1928, the Rialto Theatre was destroyed in a blaze (the same fate which would befall Aurora’s Strand Theatre the next year). The Paramount Theatre was constructed on the Rialto’s site a couple years later, an Art Deco masterpiece by the Chicago firm of Rapp & Rapp, which still is open today, as a venue for live entertainment.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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From the LA Times, dated 10/21/28:
FLAMES DESTROY ILLINOIS THEATER
The Rialto Theater building was destroyed by fire today with a loss estimated at $1,000,000. The three-story building, located in the center of the business district, housed six stores and numerous offices, in addition to the theater. The adjoining Fox Theater was damaged to the extent of about $10,000. The origin of the blaze has not been determined.