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Rialto Square Theater says $2 million asbestos cleanup paid from operations; plans HVAC overhaul and centennial restorations

5406382 · July 15, 2025
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Summary

At a July 14 pre-council session, Rialto Square Theater executive director Wade Welsh told City of Joliet officials the theater paid about $2,000,000 for asbestos remediation, is pursuing litigation to recover costs, and is scheduling a full HVAC replacement and other capital work ahead of its 100th anniversary.

Wade Welsh, executive director of the Rialto Square Theater, told the City of Joliet pre-council meeting on July 14 that the theater paid more than $2,000,000 out of pocket to remediate an asbestos incident that closed the venue in 2024 and that litigation is under way to recoup that expense.

The asbestos complaint was filed with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on July 25, 2024; the complex closed Aug. 1, 2024, reopened administrative offices Sept. 2 and did not host a show again until Oct. 22, 2024, Welsh said. The shutdown led to seven canceled shows and five canceled weddings, he said.

"That bill for that remediation and abatement is just over $2,000,000 that we have paid out of…

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