Advocates for disabled criticize new riverfront theater

Friday, May 28, 1999 | 9:37 a.m.

Leaders of Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living said city and theater officials are ignoring their concerns.

They threatened to seek a court order preventing further construction if designs aren't changed.

"When they brought the plans to us, it was a token thing to do," center spokeswoman Mary Jean Thomsen told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

"They were thrown off by our questions ... I got the impression that they thought we were making a big deal out of nothing."

Redevelopment planner Bruce Amdo said the project meets all city codes. He said the project "has been given a far more thorough review" for disability access than many others in the city.

"The best seats in the house are going to be wheelchair accessible," he said. "Before anyone jumps to conclusions listen to what the (architect) says."

"Regal prides itself on being a nation's leader for access in theaters ... it's only fair to give Regal a chance to respond to the issues."

A Regal representative was supposed to meet with the city's Access Advisory Committee Thursday, but the meeting was canceled at the last minute.

The multiplex theater on First Street, scheduled to open in November, is the cornerstone of a project linking shops and restaurants along a riverfront expanse extending to the Mapes and Riverside Hotels.

Committee Chairman Joe Arrascada said members don't want to cause problems.

"We just want to make sure it's being built right," he said. "There are advocates who will sue the city."

Committee members are concerned the project did not comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, which are stricter than Reno's city code. He also cited problems with loading zones, exterior doors and signage.

Minutes from the March 4 committee meeting show project architect Brian Gaddis said the theater would not meet federal standards. "We do not comply with the ADA with this auditorium," said Gaddis, who works for RJL Architecture in Charlotte, N.C.

The biggest problem committee members cited in theater designs were wheelchair locations in the large theater, which would not allow access to upper level seats.

"They gave us the impression what they were doing is enough," said Robert Desruisseaux, Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living. "We could get into the building, we could get into the restrooms, and we could get into all the theaters but the biggest one."