The marquee of the Riviera Theatre and Performing Arts Centre now shines brighter after a restoration effort that was marked today by a ceremonial unveiling in North Tonawanda.
The marquee restoration capped a five-year fundraising project that gave the 88-year-old moviehouse a much-needed face-lift.
Restoration work on the marquee began after its removal in October 2013. The marquee was taken to the Wagner Electric Sign Co. in Elyria, Ohio.
Frey Electric, meanwhile, updated the theater’s electric infrastructure.
Coordinating the restoration effort was Peyton Barlow Co.
Theatergoers will see the marquee’s original 1947 paint scheme, discovered through testing and painstaking research, restoration of rose and green neon lights and chasing lights throughout the marquee restored to the original pattern.
In addition, a new roof was installed on the marquee.
Financing for the project was provided by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Margaret L. Wendt Foundation; Grigg-Lewis Foundation and community donations.
Those attending the ceremony were treated to a performance by the theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
email jkwiatkowski@buffnews.com
The marquee restoration capped a five-year fundraising project that gave the 88-year-old moviehouse a much-needed face-lift.
Restoration work on the marquee began after its removal in October 2013. The marquee was taken to the Wagner Electric Sign Co. in Elyria, Ohio.
Frey Electric, meanwhile, updated the theater’s electric infrastructure.
Coordinating the restoration effort was Peyton Barlow Co.
Theatergoers will see the marquee’s original 1947 paint scheme, discovered through testing and painstaking research, restoration of rose and green neon lights and chasing lights throughout the marquee restored to the original pattern.
In addition, a new roof was installed on the marquee.
Financing for the project was provided by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Margaret L. Wendt Foundation; Grigg-Lewis Foundation and community donations.
Those attending the ceremony were treated to a performance by the theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
email jkwiatkowski@buffnews.com