Las Vegas is all about creating memories and sometimes maybe not remembering them, but memories, nonetheless. Memories by tens of millions of tourists each year make this city alone a landmark for historical events. When a historical landmark in any city, let alone Las Vegas, gets a second chance at life, it sets off memories and feelings of nostalgia who had experiences at the landmark. Getting to see an old memory and get a new life is a great reason to get tourists to come check it out, some will be in awe others will judge and both are ok, especially in Vegas.
The city has hosted numerous events that have made a mark on history in many different genres. Evil Knievel crashing during his jump in 1967, Elvis Presley's residencies and Siegfried and Roy opening at the Tropicana are just a few.
Some historical places didn’t get the chance for a revival of their structure due to being imploded, which is what happened to the Landmark Hotel, Sands Hotel, The Stardust and the Hacienda. The implosion of the Landmark Hotel was even used in a movie scene, probably saving the production company of “Mars Attacks” millions.
Las Vegas Landmark to Get New Life
While many buildings and structures in Las Vegas could be considered historic, one comes with not only a hefty price tag to purchase, but the history to see its worth in making a comeback. The Huntridge Theater, also known as the Huntridge Performing Arts Theater first opened in 1944. The Huntridge Theater hosted some pretty big events including legendary comedy team Abbott and Costello.
The Huntridge Theater was rented out by Elvis Presley for private movie screenings in the 70’s. The performing arts theater also hosted live music in the 90’s such as Green Day and the Beastie Boys. Not long after hosting live music from the grunge era, the Huntridge was abandoned and sat for nearly 20 years before it was purchased in 2021 by developer J Dapper. Dapper also owns the Huntridge Shopping Center according to Casino.org.
New Huntridge Theater owner Dapper says the plan is to start remodeling the theater in April 2024 for two years and a cost of roughly $10 million. The plan also includes remodeling the additional performance spaces which are being converted from former retail space. These additional performance spaces should add more room for patrons, roughly 100-200, and will cost an additional $5 million-$8 million.
Huntridge Theater Already Booked!
Not surprisingly given the history of the event center and it being located in Las Vegas, there is already a tenant lined up once the renovations are complete. An off-Broadway New York production company called SoHo Playhouse is planning to host live music, theater, cabaret and dance performances in the newly remodeled Huntridge Theater.
The original SoHo Playhouse is in Lower Manhattan New York and is considered a landmark itself. SoHo Playhouse has already announced its plans for the Las Vegas location and is working to get the word out. The New Huntridge’s capacity will depend on the event taking place. The off-Broadway productions will have a capacity of 450 and for concerts a capacity of 1,150, according to the Las Vegas Weekly.
“The concert industry is challenging, in that the big boys, like LiveNation and AEG, control a lot,” according to Huntridge owner Dapper. Dapper continues, “In order for the Huntridge to be successful, it can’t just be a concert venue. It can’t just be an Off-Broadway venue. It’s got to have the ability to be flexible and do many different things.”
It's true Huntridge Theater will be up against some major venues in the entertainment market, as well as the owners of the majority of the Las Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts (MGM) and Caesars Entertainment (CZR).
However this attraction is a bit different. The SoHo Playhouse is about bringing a different type of atmosphere to the Vegas scene. “I believe there’s an appetite for what we do that covers the whole calendar year,” according to the artistic director of SoHo Playhouse, Darren Lee Cole. Cole continued, “It’s going to be built and programmed and designed for locals.”
