First Church of Christ, Scientist (Reno, Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Church of Christ, Scientist
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 Location in Nevada
Location in the United States
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| Location | 501 Riverside Dr., Reno, Nevada |
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| Area | 0.6 acres (0.24 ha) |
| Built | 1939 |
| Architect | Paul Revere Williams; builder: Boudwin, Walker |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000939 |
| Added to NRHP | August 20, 1999 |
The building known today as the Lear Theater was originally built in 1939 as the First Church of Christ, Scientist. It is an important historic building located at 501 Riverside Drive in Reno, Nevada. The building sits overlooking the Truckee River.
The church was designed in the Classical Revival style. This style often uses elements from ancient Greek and Roman buildings, like columns and grand entrances.
Building History
A wealthy local Christian Scientist named Anna Frandsen Loomis paid for the entire building. She spent about $120,000, which included buying the land and paying the architect.
Ms. Loomis chose a famous architect named Paul Revere Williams from Los Angeles. He was a very important figure because he was the first African-American member of the AIA.
In 1998, the church congregation sold the building. They used the money to build a new church in a different part of Reno.
Becoming the Lear Theater
After the church moved, a local theater supporter named Moya Lear donated $1.1 million. This money went to the Reno-Sparks Theater Community Coalition. They used the funds to buy the old church building. They then renamed it the Lear Theater in her honor. Today, it serves as a center for the arts and theater in Reno.
Historic Recognition
The building is recognized as an important historical site. On December 28, 1982, it was added to the Nevada State Register of Historic Places. Later, on August 20, 1999, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. These listings help protect and preserve the building for future generations.
See also
- List of Registered Historic Places in Nevada
- List of former Christian Science churches, societies and buildings
- First Church of Christ, Scientist (disambiguation)
