Rialto Refresh
RM’s exclusive first look at the updated Rialto interiors
If you notice the Rialto is now an attention-grabbing blue—good. That’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. And in the best way. The longtime gray monotone-ish movie house has a new look to match its reenergized vibe and MO for its next chapter. And while bold—even electric—that blue is not just any ole random splash of blue. It’s intentional… at once nostalgic and avant-garde. As is the upcoming January lobby refresh.
New frontman Hayes Permar and company have said from the jump they wanted to give the Rialto a new lease on life (literally) by respecting its past and taking it into the future, from restored offerings (live music, movies, comedy!) to a fresh face. That revival—a Rialto 2.0, if you will—is exactly what local designer Antoine Pontón, who was tapped for the project, is honoring… “to respect its past and prepare it for the future,” says the principal of AP Designs. “That was the goal. It’s vintage. It’s retro. It’s respectful.”
Rendering courtesy of AP Designs
Applying art moderne design elements, the 2.0 updates harken back to Rialto’s roots. Google the architectural style to get a crash course on the nautical-leaning (we see you, blue) 1930s art deco subset that employs curves, glass blocks and horizontal lines to create length.
If that blue hue looks familiar, you’ll find it in Rialto’s new logo, developed with Dan Barbour of Barbour Shop Creative Services, which intentionally plays on the neon blue cast from the theater marquee at night. Bringing that neon blue inside, the upcoming lobby revamp also leans art moderne. Entirely cosmetic—read: more facial, less face-lift—the floor-to-ceiling updo comes complete with tile-patterned floors, painted/updated walls, new lighting and a reflective silver vinyl ceiling.
It’s a mood: funky, retro, clean, fresh… and just cool, Pontón describes. “You’re gonna feel like you’re walking back into the 1930s and ’40s—into the building’s original intention.” For now, the refresh stops at the theater doors. But, once Permar and company get settled, look for an update to the theater space (think chairs, acoustic panels, etc.).
It’s very American, very flashy and silver—like the fancy massive cars (think the Plymouth Prowlers of the day), explains the known-to-be-bold designer of the vintage vision. “All of those lines and fairings… just big American. Bigger is better. That’s what the whole movement of the architectural style was. … It was never meant to be subtle. It was never meant to blend in. It was meant to stand out and be a statement—and that fits right into Rialto 2.0. … It’s just going to look awesome.”
In a phrase: It’s “legacy reimagined”… which ever-so-fittingly happens to be AP Designs’ tagline. The Rialto has never been a blank canvas. And Permar—the ultimate caretaker—has ushered in its new era while staying true to its bones, at once resurrecting, restoring and propelling the Rialto for both longtime Raleighites and a whole generation who don’t feel an attachment—yet. “It’s not just a place for movies,” says Pontón. “It’s so much more.” therialto.com
“Through thoughtful collaboration, we’ve arrived at what you see today—a truly authentic and vintage look with a fabulously fresh custom take for a bright and full future to showcase our pride for the city we all love so much and dazzle visitors to our ‘Welcome to Raleigh, Y’all’ community!”
——Antoine Pontón
Legacy Reimagined
In almost 100 years, the theater space has seen only a handful of iterations. Here, a snapshot of its storied look/legacy.
1942: First built as an A&P grocery store that bowed in 1938, the building raised the curtain as The Colony Theatre April 1, 1942 (photo June 1946).
1976: Snap of the popular Colony Theatre (present-day Rialto)
1983: Refurbished and reopened as the Rialto Theatre, exhibiting foreign, art, independent and alternative films. In 1989, longtime caretaker Bill Peebles took the helm (until 2022). From 1992–93: Space is retrofitted with new roof, state-of-the-art projection system, Dolby Stereo and new projection lamphouse.
1996–97: Rialto goes “50 shades of gray”—with iconic red doors via famed local artist Thomas Sayre. Facade and window boxes restored; new box office and display cases installed; lobby repainted; new carpet, pearlescent screen and new auditorium seats installed.
2023: New steward Hayes Permar takes the helm with a commitment to restoring the space’s history and vibrancy as a Raleigh icon, including a retro blue exterior and interior refresh.
Rialto timeline from top: Courtesy State Archives of NC; from the N&O Negative Collection, State Archives of North Carolina, copyrighted by the News and Observer; by @wsasser, courtesy of Cinema Treasures; by Dean Jeffery