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The Rialto Community Theatre in Deer Lodge was recently awarded $50,000 grants from foundations in Montana and Delaware for its restoration project. The historic Rialto was severely damaged by fire on Nov. 4, 2006, and reconstruction began in July 2008.

The Chutney Foundation in Missoula has been helping nonprofits in western Montana, especially the upper Blackfoot River Valley, since it was established by Cora Barbour in 1991. It helped the Rialto with a $15,000 grant when the electrical system was being upgraded 10 years ago. This $50,000 will be used toward the third of four construction phases, which will begin in early 2009.

The letter that accompanied the check noted that “having contributed early on to the original restoration effort, the Chutney Foundation joined the many citizens of Powell County who were dismayed by the theater's destruction in 2006, just as its historic restoration was complete. Now two years later, it is exciting to join in contributing to an extraordinarily successful rebuilding campaign that has captured interest and collected contributions from not only the local community, but from around the country as well.”

The other $50,000 grant is from the Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation of Wilmington, Del., one of the few foundations that gives nationally and will fund building projects. Stephen Birch is known as the “instigator and driving force” behind the formation of Kennecott Copper Co., and he established the foundation in 1938, two years before his death, to support health services, hospitals and civic organizations like the Rialto.

Volunteers have raised about $1.9 million so far for the $3.5 million project. Because of the troubled national economy, competition for grants has become more intense as many foundations have seen their assets shrink dramatically.

Work is currently under way on the second construction phase, which should run until mid-January. The Rialto board and contractors continue to find ways to trim costs, including the use of volunteer labor and donated materials when appropriate.

Some members of the Deer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department and other skilled workers recently donated their labor two evenings to install the trusses and sheeting for the new floor in the lobby/concession/restroom area, for example, which will help reduce costs,

Another community open house is planned after the second phase is completed, and current construction photos are available online. Donations to help keep the project moving forward can be sent to Rialto Theatre Restoration, P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.

 

See the progress


View photos of restoration of the Rialto Community Theatre in Deer Lodge

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