Next year, the Nile Theater in Mesa will turn 100 years old. Now, city officials are moving forward with an ordinance to designate the theater a historic landmark. The Nile currently serves as a multiroom concert and event venue, but it also inspired construction of other theaters across the Valley.
That’s according to Michelle Donovan, the theater’s business operator.
“So, the Nile Theater, back when it was built, I believe they said the original cost was about $200,000, which was a lot of money during that time, and it was — kinda set the bar for what a theater should be in Arizona,” she said.
Historic landmarks must meet certain criteria, such as displaying “exceptional historic, visual or architectural significance.”
A public hearing is scheduled for Monday.
