Rialto Square Theatre

"RUBENS RIALTO WONDER THEATRE" - one of the ten most beautiful theaters in the nation. The building reflects Greek, Roman and Byzantine architecture. Above the main entrance on Chicago Street rises the grand niche.

The construction of a "vaudeville movie palace" in Joliet, Illinois was the undertaking of the six Rubens brothers. The Royal Theatre Company was formed to guarantee the 2 million dollar project. With the opening of the theatre on May 24, 1926, the Royal Theatre Company leased the operation of the theatre to the Great States Theatre, Inc. The property remained under the control and direction of the Rubens brothers.

The Architects

C. W. and George L. Rapp founded the Chicago firm of Rapp & Rapp Architects in 1906. Following the Rialto Square Theatre project, they continued to build ornate theatres throughout the Midwest.

The Construction Company

The Rialto Square Theatre building was another Kaiser-Ducett masterpiece. Kaiser-Ducett was also the main contractor for many of the exhibits at Chicago's 1933 World's Fair.

In 1956, Charles 0. Kaiser, son of Oscar, and George G. Nelson took over the firm until it was sold in 1968.