Utah Theater “The highly anticipated acquisition of this site by the RDA is of great benefit to the residents of Salt Lake City as we move forward in creating a vibrant downtown cultural district. This district will complement the County-run Abravanel Hall, Capitol Theatre and Rose Wagner to further invigorate downtown as a regional destination for culture and entertainment." --Mayor Ralph Becker   RDA Acquires the Utah Theater The Utah Theater, located at 148 South Main Street was purchased by the RDA in December, 2009. The theater site includes several adjoining retail spaces that front Main Street. The redevelopment of this property is vital to the success of the north end of Main Street, and the acquisition supports efforts to formalize and sustain a Downtown Cultural District. While much of the theater’s original ornamentation remains, the building would need substantial renovations to function again. With the potential of redevelopment of the property some years away, the RDA is considering budgeting funds to clean up the façade and/or renovate and lease the retail spaces to activate that section of Main Street. Please contact Edward Butterfield with the RDA at (801) 535-7254 with questions or comments concerning the Utah Theater.   Utah Theater History The former Utah Theater, also known as the Pantages and the Orpheum, was once a jewel of Main Street. It was built in 1918, and originally housed vaudeville performances, but it later became a film theater. In the 1960’s a floor was added by Intermountain Theaters to convert the balcony into a second auditorium according to Utahtheaters.info. Unfortunately, in the process much of the original ornamentation in the auditorium was lost. Other changes were made throughout the years to accommodate its evolving use sparing some decoration and losing others. In about 1988 the Utah Theater was closed as a movie theater and leased as a live state production house for the Salt Lake Repertory Theatre, known as City Rep, until they were forced to move when the building was sold to a new owner in 1992. Since then, the theater has had various owners from a Park City writer to Howa Construction Inc. Each owner has hoped to bring the theater back to life in one way or another but due to various economic and feasibility issues, the theater remained closed. You can also visit the Utah Heritage Foundation to learn more about the recent public open house at the Utah Theater.