as Cruces is going through a downtown revitalization once again. In the early 70's, the downtown area was blocked off to traffic as part of urban renewal. Unfortunately, businesses moved out and foot traffic died over the last couple of decades. If it weren't for the bi-weekly Farmer's Market and Coas Bookstore, I doubt there would be anyone down there at all.
The Downtown Las Cruces Partnership has been hard at work, along with the city and other entities to bring the area back to life by re-opening Main Street, re-designing the side walks and some of the architecture. One of the first projects was bringing back the Rio Grande Theater.
The Rio Grande has been in operation continuously for over 70 years and is the only two story adobe theater in operation in the United States. Some of the past performers include Janis Ian, Glenn Miller and even the Vienna Boys Choir. The Las Cruces Blog has a great write up on the grand opening in 1926.
I'm sad to say that I've not been inside the theater. There are some very interesting and fun events on the horizon, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to finally go inside.
It's so nice to see something like the theater alive and well. During the 'revitalization', many buildings in and around the downtown area were torn down for the sake of progress. It's kind of sad to look at old pictures and realize just how much isn't there anymore. Thankfully, the powers that be are realizing the value of keeping and restoring some of these buildings. To me, buildings like the Rio Grande are priceless.
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