Nearly 10 months after the half-century-old Huntridge Performing Arts Theatre's roof collapsed, the building's owners are optimistic about its future.
"It's going to be awesome," said Richard Lenz, chairman of Friends of the Huntridge Theatre, a nonprofit group that owns the building that began as a movie theater but later became a popular venue for alternative music.
The Huntridge at 1208 E. Charleston Blvd. likely will reopen Aug. 1 and will offer more ethnic activities, including concerts, plays and dances, Lenz said.
"Concert activity will continue, but we want to be more diverse," he said.
The Huntridge received $375,000 from the state for improvements to the building because it is considered a historic site, Lenz said.
"A steel roof is being built off-site and should be completed by June," Lenz said. "The new roof is going to be phenomenal. We're being very conscientious ... to ensure safety."
The steel roof will replace the wooden roof that collapsed about 4:30 p.m. July 28, just hours before a sold-out punk rock concert was scheduled to begin. No injuries were reported.
Improvements to the building include a "fly loft," a large structure that sits above the stage used to "fly curtains and props" to and from the stage. The loft primarily will be used during plays, Lenz said.
A dance floor is another improvement, Lenz said. A loading dock and storage warehouse are being added to the rear of the facility, while a studio for live concert recordings and a new electrical system are being installed, Lenz said. The improvements "make the theater more functional," Lenz said.
"We want to get some national recognition for the Huntridge," he said. "For an 800-seat venue, it will probably be the premier venue on the West Coast."
Repair costs total about $525,000, according to Lenz. "The settlement (with Republic Western, which previously insured the Huntridge) didn't come near to covering the costs."
Republic Western provided $375,000 for repairs, said Lenz, who is seeking additional funding from the company "for things that should have been covered under the insurance policy."
"We need to sit down at the bargaining table (with Republic Western)," Lenz said. "It's a matter of saying, 'We feel this amount is due over and above what you've given us.'"
What money doesn't go for repairs will cover the cost of improvements.
Lenz said there will be a series of fund-raisers in June to recoup repair costs. There will be car washes and dinners where community members will be invited to the Huntridge to view the progress.
"We want the public to see what's going on and to see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
Questions concerning the building's safety can be put to rest, he said. "Two structural engineers said the building is safe," Lenz said.
Paul Wilkins, building official for the city of Las Vegas, confirmed Lenz's assertion.
"I feel the facility is safe," Wilkins said. "We want to make sure it (the Huntridge) gets rebuilt and meets safety codes. The preliminary plans look great."
Tommy Greaney, 18, is eager to return to the Huntridge, which he deems "the best place in Las Vegas."
Greaney, a Henderson resident, has attended about 50 concerts at the Huntridge. "I can't wait for it to reopen," Greaney said.
Lenz said he's confident the Huntridge can regain its position as a top entertainment venue.
"I had some concern initially that other places would take over," he said. "But after 10 months it's been obvious that no one's been able to pick up the slack.
"The Huntridge is very unique. It's one of the few buildings left in Las Vegas that means something to the city. There's a lot of anxiousness out there for us to reopen, not only on our part but on their (the community's) part."
archive