New Ute Events Center
132 E. 4th Street,
Rifle,
CO
81650
132 E. 4th Street,
Rifle,
CO
81650
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The original Ute Theatre on E. 3rd Street was opened in 1935 as a 300-seat theatre located in a former retail store. It was destroyed by a fire in 1944. (it has its own page on Cinema Treasures.
In 1948 a new Ute Theatre was opened on E. 4th Street, designed by architect Donald J. Monson, with 600 seats all on a single floor. Later it was known as the Rifle Creek Theatre.
In 2009, renovations began, and in early-2012, it has become the New Ute Events Center, hosting special events, as well as movies.
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Lost Memory
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
This theatre is listed in the 1948/49 Theatre Catalog as a new cinema.The architect was Donald J. Monson.
Very plain looking Theatre.
Looks more like a saloon.
A very nice, art deco gem in a small yet thriving Colorado mountain community. The facade indeed does the theater no justice. I have attended a couple movies here and it is a charming place to take in a movie. The auditorium walls are covered with blue fabric, most likely from a 1970s renovation but all of the other original, art deco accents are still present. The ceiling is a stunning plaster design, original to the theater’s opening. It could use some restoration as there is a little bit of water damage due to a past owner neglecting the roof. The seats appear to be original. They are red in color and have a very nice 1940s look to them. A few were removed at the ends in the center of the auditorium to accommodate wheelchairs It was owned at one time by Stan Pratt who owned many theaters across Colorado. The present owners are Kelly and Jacinto Iniguez but they have sold it to the city who will take over ownership in August. The city’s intentions are presently unclear. The booth contains a Simplex XL projector and SPECO platters. There is also a small apartment above the theater which is presently rented out.
Don’t let the front deceive you…this is a very beautiful theater inside. While outside, however, be sure to check out the beautiful, golden bricks that make up the exterior walls.