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Renovation of Rivoli Theatre, 10th Street neighborhood part of grant project

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $4.3 million grant to the East 10th Street District to transform vacant buildings in the neighborhood include a 1920s movie theater. 

The endowment also should create community spaces for artists and put art along the busy stretch of road.

The redevelopment projects will include the old Rivoli Theatre, built by Universal Studios of Indianapolis in 1927. A website for the theater says it was the first in Indiana to show movies with sound. Later, the showplace at 3155 E. 10th St. hosted concerts for John Mellencamp and Lynard Skynard. That project is scheduled to be complete in 2025. 

In addition, the grant should help the neighborhood foster partnerships and increase visitors.

Residents think the changes will improve safety as well. 

“It can reduce crime by taking these principles to heart. We can reduce it. We can improve the residences and commercial properties and reduce crime,” resident Chris Staab said. 

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