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Historic Riviera Theatre marquee restoration and improvement project underway

by jmaloni

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Fri, Apr 18th 2014 09:35 pm

Installation of iconic marquee

The Historic Riviera Theatre and Performing Arts Center in North Tonawanda continues its historic marquee restoration and improvement project with the much-anticipated installation of the historic and iconic 1947 marquee on Tuesday, April 22. Installation is scheduled to be completed Friday (weather permitting).

Under the direction of general contractor Peyton Barlow Co., the Wagner Electric Sign Company of Elyria, Ohio, completed restoration and improvements of the historic marquee by removing it from the building at the end of October and transporting it to its factory.

Restoration work was performed in a controlled environment. The historic marquee will be transported by flatbed truck and installed to its original location. Frey Electric Co. worked on electrical infrastructure updates to the theater in preparation for the return of the restored marquee.

The iconic marquee over the front entrance of the Riviera Theatre, at 67 Webster St., was restored and improved, including original 1947 paint scheme discovered through testing and research; restoration of rose and green neon lights; chasing lights throughout the marquee in the original chasing pattern; metal restoration; new wiring; new electronics, including LED display panels that mimic the look of the original lettering and background; and a new roof.

With the Historic Riviera Theatre as an anchor, the Webster Street Canal Corridor has seen a resurgence of economic development activity over the past several years, with many new restaurants and businesses opening. Restoration of the historic marquee will contribute to the positive activity in the canal corridor.

Financial support for this project was provided by The New York State Office Of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, along with East Hill Foundation; The Grigg-Lewis Foundation Inc.; and donations from the community.

The Historic Rivera Theatre currently holds more than 175 events annually and attracts between 80,000 and 100,000 patrons.

The Riviera Theatre box office will be open during the installation process.

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