Pub. 6 2018 Directory

24 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2018 | www.aia-mt.org Rialto Theater Renovation THINKTANK Design Group, Inc. Bozeman, Montana Design Team: Lead Architects: Brian T. Caldwell & Erik R. Nelson of THINKTANK Design Group Inc. Consulting Architect: Richard Fernau of Fernau & Hartman Architects, Inc. Originally built in 1908 as a two-story store- front and converted into a theater in 1924, the Rialto Theatre has a long history of serv- ing Main Street in Bozeman’s central com- mercial district. In 2018, after sitting vacant for more than a decade, a local development team breathed new life into the abandoned theatre to set the stage for a new artistic and cultural hub. The renovation of the Rialto Theater was an investigation of historical preservation. An overarching program goal was the adherence to the Rialto’s historical exterior and use as a theatre. To make the vintage theater relevant to today’s uses, the reinterpretation of the interior space required the flexibility to host a range of performances and presentations - from the country’s most sought-after bands to local musicians, spoken-word performanc- es, movie nights and more. A space overlooking Main Street to serve wine, beer and a rotating menu from local chefs that could welcome both ticket holders and the general public for a drink and bite was also needed. An additional area dedicat- ed as a gallery to showcase work from local artists and a space for private and communi- ty events for 15 to 150 people were essential. To honor the Rialto’s historical relevance, iconic exterior features such as the art deco– style marquee and signage at the front of the building have been restored. The interior spaces are a reinterpretation of the vintage theater making it relevant to today’s uses while utilizing reclaimed building materials such as wood and brick from the 1924 era structure. The reinvented venue includes a flexible use ground-floor theater called the Black Box, which accommodates up to 400 people and features a mezzanine level, offering a variety of options for artists, live performances and private events. The theater acoustics and sound system were designed by the award-winning consulting firm and in-wall LED lighting is programmable to the music. The second-floor, called the Burn Box, is a reinterpretation of the old Projection Room which housed nitrocellulose film that was extremely combustible and would often catch on fire. The design team repurposed some of the charred metal from an actual fire and incorporated it back into the design of the room. The Burn Box overlooks Main Street and at night is awash with the glow from the art-deco inspired RIALTO sign. Adjacent is the Light Box, which serves as an artist gallery and special event space. The Light Box name captures the inspiration Citation Design Award

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