Riviera Theatre nearing completion on expansion project

NORTH TONAWANDA — A project to expand a historic theater’s footprint is nearing completion.

For more than two years, work has been ongoing to expand the lobby space at the West Herr Riviera Theatre. According to David Fillenwarth, the theater’s executive director, the long-awaited project is about “95% done.”

“We're not changing anything," he said, "we're adding on to what we have."

The $3.5 million expansion project will bring a “modern” look to the nearly 100-year-old theater’s lobby and includes the addition of several amenities including handicapped-accessible restrooms, a wheelchair ramp, a full bar, a new concession stand and a new box office.

“Then you walk through (the theater) area here, you go back in time 100 years,” Fillenwarth observed.

Plans to expand the theater’s lobby have been in the works for many years.

“It's really been on the table for about 15 to 20 years, it's been a dream, so it really came into fruition the last couple of years,” he said.

Over the past two and a half years, work has been done to turn a space that formerly hosted a couple of neighboring businesses into the new 6,500-square-foot addition to the theater.

Fillenwarth believes that the new expansion will greatly enhance the show-going experience for patrons.

“These are the amenities that the patrons are really going to enjoy that they didn't have,” Fillenwarth said. “(Prior to the expansion) if you're in the concert and you want to use the restroom and grab a beer, it could take you 15, 20 minutes to get back to your seat, lines are long, we know the shortcomings of that. Now if there's a song you don't really care for, you can use a restroom, grab a beer and be back to your seat for the next song.”

Show-goers were able to get their first “sneak peak” of the soon-to-be-completed work on Monday when KISS bassist Gene Simmons and his band took the stage for a special show.

Ticket proceeds from Simmons’ show will go toward the expansion project.

“Welcoming Gene Simmons to our historic Riviera Theatre is a significant event for North Tonawanda. His involvement with our community goes beyond business," North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec said. "It's a celebration of our shared commitment to cultural and economic growth. We’re thrilled to showcase how the arts and local businesses can drive our region forward. This visit highlights the vibrant potential of Niagara County, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

“It doesn't get any bigger than Gene Simmons. It's kind of a cool thing for him to play a small theater like this. So it's gonna be loud and proud and be a fun day to celebrate,” Fillenwarth added.

The new box office will open on Aug. 29 with the full project slated for completion by early next month.