Jewel of Joliet reopens: Rialto Square Theatre bounces back after asbestos shutdown
Situated a few blocks from the river along Route 66 in downtown Joliet, the 98-year-old theater is a living piece of history, with its stories etched into its very walls.
Often referred to as the “Jewel of Joliet,” the Rialto Square Theatre faced a significant setback this summer when improper asbestos disposal led to a shutdown by the Illinois EPA.
Now, the historic venue has reopened and is ready for the holidays.
The Shutdown
Rialto Square Theatre Executive Director Wade Welsh recalls receiving a phone call from the EPA after an inspection revealed a subcontractor hired by the theater was not properly removing asbestos from the building.
According to Welsh, a subcontractor working in the theater’s basement began removing asbestos from pipes in preparation for a new HVAC system set to be installed next summer.
However, the Illinois EPA discovered three improperly sealed bags of asbestos in the basement, prompting action.
The Cleanup
The mishandling led to a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and forced the theater to close its doors while undertaking a comprehensive cleanup of the nearly century-old building – a process that cost over $1 million.
“It’s not like it was falling in the theater or anything like that,” Welsh said. “This was an isolated incident in the basement in one specified area, but unfortunately, the hypothetical game comes in when it comes to the EPA that they have to assume the worst, and we have to obviously correct it.”
The Reopening
Welsh noted that legal action against the subcontractor may be forthcoming due to the mishandling, but the theater moved forward and successfully reopened in October.
A Tour of the Theater
Leann Hoffrogge, who has spent more than 20 years volunteering and working at the Rialto, gave a backstage tour, showcasing thousands of signatures left by past performers, including Jerry Seinfeld and Taylor Swift.
The Magnificence of the Rialto
The theater, designed by renowned architects Rapp and Rapp – also behind the Chicago Theater and New York’s Paramount Building – was completed in just 18 months at a cost of $2 million.
It was built around its original Barton Grande Theatre pipe organ, a rare treasure with only about 10 remaining in the country.
The magnificence isn’t just in the theater itself, patrons are wowed from the entrance of the Rialto, down the hall and into the rotunda where all eyes go up.
The Holiday Season
The Rialto truly shines during the holiday season, thanks to the hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers and staff who spend days transforming the theater with festive decorations. It’s an especially hectic time for them, with just two days off between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Conclusion
The Rialto Square Theatre’s reopening is a testament to the resilience and determination of its staff and volunteers. Despite the setbacks, the theater remains a beloved landmark in Joliet, and its reopening marks a new chapter in its long and storied history.
FAQs
* When did the Rialto Square Theatre reopen?
+ The Rialto Square Theatre reopened in October.
* Why was the theater shut down?
+ The theater was shut down due to improper asbestos disposal by a subcontractor.
* How much did the cleanup cost?
+ The cleanup cost over $1 million.
* Is the theater open for the holiday season?
+ Yes, the Rialto Square Theatre is open for the holiday season and is ready to welcome visitors.
