Delay on fate of crumbling Lear Theater prompts public summit

Reno City Council Revisits Fate of Historic Lear Theater

The long-vacant Lear Theater, a prominent landmark on the banks of the Truckee River, is once again at the center of a critical debate at Reno City Hall. City council members are weighing their limited options for the deteriorating neo-Gothic structure, a building that has symbolized both the city's rich history and its redevelopment challenges for over two decades.

Following the collapse of the latest restoration proposal earlier this year, the council faces a complex decision. The city's ability to direct the future of the property is constrained by its ownership by a non-profit religious organization. This arrangement limits the city's direct intervention, placing officials in the role of facilitator rather than director.

A Building Frozen in Time

Constructed in 1939 as a church, the building was later donated to the local arts community by the family of Moya Lear in 1999, with the specific intention of transforming it into a performing arts venue. Despite this vision and subsequent efforts, the theater has never staged a public performance. Years of exposure to the elements have taken a toll, with water intrusion and structural decay posing significant threats to its integrity.

The most recent plan involved a land swap that would have facilitated a private development to fund the theater's restoration. However, negotiations ultimately fell through, leaving the city with no active proposals on the table. This has forced a renewed public conversation about the feasibility of preservation versus the potential costs of continued inaction.

Weighing the Costs of Preservation

Estimates for a full restoration of the Lear Theater have consistently ranged into the tens of millions of dollars. With no clear funding source and the building's condition worsening, some community members and officials are beginning to question whether the financial burden is justifiable. The core dilemma is whether the historical significance of the building outweighs the immense practical challenge of saving it.

City staff have been directed to explore all possible avenues, including revisiting discussions with the current property owners and seeking out new potential partners. The goal is to find a viable path forward before the structure deteriorates beyond repair. The council has emphasized a desire for a solution that honors the building's intended cultural purpose, but acknowledges the economic realities involved.

What's Next for the Landmark?

The immediate next step is for city officials to compile a comprehensive report detailing the property's current state, the legal constraints, and a refreshed analysis of potential opportunities. This report is expected to be presented to the council in the coming months, at which point a more definitive direction may be set.

The fate of the Lear Theater remains a deeply emotional issue for many residents who see it as an irreplaceable piece of Reno's architectural heritage. The council's upcoming decisions will likely shape the visual and cultural landscape of the city's riverfront for generations to come. BNN will continue to monitor developments in this ongoing story.

What do you think?

• Is pouring millions of taxpayer dollars into saving a single historic building a responsible use of funds when the city faces other pressing needs like housing and infrastructure?


• Has the city already waited too long? Is the Lear Theater effectively beyond saving, making demolition the only logical option?


• Should the original donor's intent to create a performing arts space be legally binding, or do changing circumstances nullify a wish made over 25 years ago?


• If preservation is the goal, should the city consider a controversial move like using eminent domain to take control of the property from the current owners?