Vista Theater

This article is about a theater in Michigan. For the theater in Los Angeles, see Vista Theatre (Los Angeles, California).
Historic Vista Theater
Location 218 Iron St., Negaunee, Michigan
Coordinates 46°29′51″N 87°50′42″W / 46.49750°N 87.84500°W / 46.49750; -87.84500Coordinates: 46°29′51″N 87°50′42″W / 46.49750°N 87.84500°W / 46.49750; -87.84500
Built 1926
Architect David E. Anderson
Architectural style Early Commercial
NRHP Reference # 05000714[1]
Added to NRHP July 22, 2005

The Vista Theater is a theatre located at 218 Iron Street in Negaunee, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.[1]

History

The Vista Theater was built by Negaunee businessman Jafet Rytkonen.[2] Rytkonen was a partner in the Star, another Negaunee theater, but desired a larger and grander theatre than the Star. In 1926, Rytkonen hired architect David E. Anderson to design the Vista; the new theatre opened on September 20, 1926.[2] Rytkonen ran the theatre until his retirement in 1950, after which his son, William, and son-in-law, Peter Ghiardi, took over management of the Vista.[2]

The Vista Theater remained open until 1972, when William Rytkonen died. In 1973, a group of local citizens formed the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council (PAAC).[2] This group took over the Vista and in 1975 began using it as a venue for multiple artistic forms, including amateur theater productions, musical programs and concerts, films, puppet shows, art exhibits, and arts workshops.[2] In the 2000s, the group began restoration of the theatre,[2] and on July 22, 2005 the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1] PAAC continues to operate the Vista and in 2014 thanks to a grant from the Cliffs/Eagle Foundation installed a digital projector and screen making it one of the few facilities left in the United States that acts as both a playhouse and movie theater.

References

  1. 1 2 3 National Park Service (2009-03-13). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 PAAC History, Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council, 2005. Retrieved 11/19/2008
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