Historic Huntridge Theater’s declining ticket sales leave it in financial trouble

Friday, Feb. 25, 2000 | 12:46 p.m.

CARSON CITY -- The historic Huntridge Theater in Las Vegas may not be able to stay open much longer if it doesn't get $450,000 to pay down its mortgage, the state Cultural Affairs Commission was told Thursday.

Richard Lenz, executive director of the Friends of the Huntridge Theater Inc., said the former movie theater turned rock-concert venue has suffered a drop in patrons from 80,000 to 40,000 a year as hotels started to cater to the music tastes of young people.

"We won't be able to survive another six months," if the money is not forthcoming, he said.

The mortgage of $544,000 is held by Frank Silvaggio, who has owned the property since 1977. The nonprofit group wants $300,000 from the state and $150,000 from the city of Las Vegas to pay down the mortgage to $100,000.

Under the present financial conditions, Lenz said, the organization would not be able to meet the monthly rent payments and it will revert back to Silvaggio.

"He will probably tear it down and sell the property," Lenz told the commission.

The theater, at the intersection of East Charleston Boulevard and Maryland Parkway, was built in 1944 and has been operated by the nonprofit group for the past eight years.

The commission has $2.1 million available to allocate but has $8.7 million in requests from projects around the state that want money for rehabilitation and restoration efforts.

In addition to his request, Lenz said another $120,000 is needed for revamping the theater to offer a mix of events. He wants to take out the fixed seating and change the floor to permit conventions, meetings, dances and other uses.

But most important is the money to keep the doors open.

The opening of Mandalay Bay's House of Blues "caused us terrific problems," Lenz said. The bands that played at Huntridge could make more money at the House of Blues.

Nick Haines, 19, who was at the Huntridge Thursday night to attend the "Spike and Mike Sick and Twisted Cartoon Festival," said he wouldn't want to see the old theater close its doors.

"I've been coming here since the sixth grade," Haines said. "It's kind of like a tradition. People come back for shows because of the good memories they have here.

"Whenever I come I always run into people I haven't seen for a long time."

Haines, who has watched bands Bad Religion and Beck among others at the Huntridge over the years, disagrees with Lenz that the House of Blues has taken away the talent that would play at the theater.

"The Huntridge was always known as a punk showplace," Haines said. "Punk is down right now and those bands aren't booked."

Mike Schutte, who has played with local band Coil at the Huntridge, said the theater is important to local bands.

"It has a cool atmosphere and is a place local bands can play," Schutte said. "It's not a part of a casino or a stadium. It's a small venue specifically for bands."

In Carson City, Lenz was questioned by Commissioner Bob Stodal, who asked if the state money might be subsidizing commercial ventures. Lenz said the Huntridge has earned $2.5 million since it started and that supports the daily operation.