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Community Engagement and Vision for the Lear Theater
Reno recently hosted its first community meeting to explore the future of the Lear Theater, which took place on Saturday, January 10, at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center. The event aimed to gather input from residents about how the historic building should be used moving forward. Council member Naomi Duerr shared that nearly 200 people participated in the meeting, either in person or via Zoom.
Duerr expressed her surprise at the level of interest, stating, “I am blown away by the amount of interest.” She emphasized that the meeting was not meant to make a final decision but rather to collect ideas and suggestions from the community. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to involving local voices in shaping the future of a landmark that holds historical and cultural significance.
Historical Significance and Preservation Efforts
Local historian Alicia Barber, who co-hosted the meeting, highlighted the importance of the Lear Theater as a design by renowned Black architect Paul Revere Williams. She stressed the need for preservation, noting the building’s architectural value and its role in Reno’s history. The city also presented several options for the building’s future use, including transforming it into a performing arts venue or an arts and culture community center.
During the meeting, participants were asked to share their preferences. The majority of attendees supported the idea of an arts and culture space, while approximately 25% favored a performing arts theater, and 16% remained unsure. Duerr mentioned that the survey is still open for additional suggestions, ensuring that all voices are heard.
Challenges and Financial Considerations
Despite the enthusiasm, the Lear Theater requires extensive renovations. City staff provided a virtual tour showcasing the building’s current condition, which lacks basic utilities such as power, water, and bathrooms. Leaks and vegetation growing inside the structure further underscore the need for significant investment. A security fence has been installed to prevent trespassing and mitigate fire hazards.
The city estimates that converting the Lear Theater into an arts and culture building would cost at least $17 million, while a performing arts venue would require a minimum of $21 million. Potential funding sources include council allocations, redevelopment agency funds, grants, private donations, and tax credits. Duerr noted that all ideas will be evaluated through a feasibility study to determine what is practical and financially viable.
Ongoing Discussions and Public Involvement
Residents interested in contributing their opinions can do so by visiting the Lear Theater page on the city’s website at www.reno.gov/community/arts-culture/historic-preservation-copy. The rehabilitation of the Lear Theater will be discussed at the city’s Historic Resources Commission on Thursday, January 15, at 4 p.m., and during the next Reno city council meeting on February 25 at 10 a.m.
A Brief History of the Lear Theater
The Lear Theater, located at 501 Riverside Drive, was originally built in 1939 as the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Local arts patron Moya Lear contributed $1.1 million to purchase the building in 1997, with the condition that the community match her donation. The community raised an additional $200,000, leading to the transfer of the Lear Theater to the Theater Coalition.
After hosting a few shows in 2001 and 2002, the theater remained vacant for nine years before being transferred to Artown. In 2018, Artown decided it lacked the resources to renovate the landmark, which would have required between $5 million and $7 million in improvements. The city council took over the 81-year-old building in 2021, finalizing the purchase in 2023.
In December 2024, the council voted to reallocate COVID-19 funds designated for the Lear Theater to other city initiatives after receiving no bids on the project. Nevada State Sen. Angela Taylor introduced Senate Bill 145 to allocate up to $12.5 million for the restoration of the Lear Theater, but the bill did not pass.
Jaedyn Young covers local government for the Reno Gazette-Journal. Her wages are 100% funded by donations and grants; if you’d like to see more stories like this one, please consider donating at RGJ.com/donate. Send your story ideas and feedback to Jaedyn at jyoung@rgj.com.