(FLORENCE, Colo.) — Ten rooftop Heating and air conditioning units are being installed on top of the Historic Rialto Theater in Florence, with a large crane lowering the units from above.
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, River Valley Plumbing & Heating began the project to install the heating and cooling system after months of planning as a part of the city’s efforts to restore the historic building.
The previous heating and cooling system was installed during the 1990s, and being severely outdated, was no longer in good working order, according to a press release by River Valley Plumbing & Heating. A large crane was required to lift the new units to the roof of the two-story theater, which was built in 1923.
Cory Bungard, co-owner of River Valley Plumbing & Heating, stated that “the crane work would be done the first day, but our employees and other contractors would be there consistently in the upcoming weeks to get everything operational and up and running.”
The Historic Rialto Theater Board emphasized that they prefer to work with local companies in the restoration of the building, and several companies, such as Duffy Cranes, J.R.B. Electric, and Kelly Carroll of C.L.H. Construction, are working on the project to update the heating and cooling system.
The theater, originally an opera house with 900 seats, a wraparound balcony, box seats, and an orchestra pit, was added to the Colorado State Register of Historical Places in 1993. It serves Southern Colorado and the Royal Gorge region, providing live theater, performances, concerts, dances, movies, and other attractions. It is being restored in hopes that it can continue to play a key role in the community.
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