Lang
12/13/20
Riverside Theatre will soon have a new home, if the Iowa City City Council gives its approval.
City Councilor Susan Mims told KCJJ during the “Middays at Monica’s” show on Thursday that the council’s Economic Development Committee approved the Tailwind Group’s proposed plan for restoring and revitalizing historic buildings on the south side of the Ped Mall, including the former sites of the Union Bar and Fieldhouse nightclub. One of those plans includes moving Riverside Theatre into one of the buildings after the group had been without a home since not renewing its lease at its North Gilbert Street location at the end of June. Riverside Theatre is asking the city for $20,000 to help with its relocation to the Ped Mall.
The Economic Development Committee also approved $70,000 in funding for the Englert Theatre, which has also been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The Englert has had to lay off three full-time and 27 part-time staffers this year. The group hopes to be able to host live events again sometime next year.
The city council must approve both funding proposals at a future meeting.
The Englert will host a virtual event celebrating the lighting of its new marquee Friday at 5pm on the group’s Facebook page.