The historic Lobo Theater in Albuquerque soon will be converted into the Lobo Lounge and Event Center and reopen next month.
According to a report by KQRE-TV in Albuquerque, the theater was used as a church starting in 2000 but had been closed during the pandemic.
J. Richard Rivas told the station some of his plans for the Lobo:
Rivas hopes to maintain the building’s classic vibes while adding a modern twist that includes new lights and a new sound system. Rivas is optimistic it will help reinvigorate the neighborhood. “It’s all about working together, bringing music back, bringing food, breweries, and all the local venues that are around here to bring Nob Hill back,” said Rivas.
He said they still plan on allowing church services on Sunday like he did before the pandemic hit. The grand opening is set for August 19. They plan on announcing the bands that will be performing closer to their opening.
Rivas gave more details to The Paper in Albuquerque:
“We’re sticking with a 1940s theme,” says Rivas. “We’re keeping a lot of the original bathroom signs, the old film reels. We’re keeping it in the same kind of vibe.” The World War II era movie theater’s lobby will be transformed into the Lobo Lounge, a “groovy, 1940s-themed bar.” The bar is in the process of obtaining its liquor license and will highlight local beers and liquors. There will also be an expanded snack bar area featuring a variety of upscale food items. “Instead of hot dogs and popcorn, we’re looking to do some business with local people that are around us, working with them to develop some new food ideas.” Rivas is talking with restaurants around Nob Hill about featuring their food at the Lobo. Patrons will be able to order food items from nearby restaurants (Zinc and Crazy Fish are possibilities) off a phone app, and the food will be delivered to their seats inside the theater.
The 400-seat theater itself will be transformed into the Lobo Events Center. The balcony seating area will have its own bar and could be used for private parties, while the floor space will add or subtract seating, depending on whether or not dance space is required for a concert. Rivas hopes to book a mix of local and national acts, while allowing folks to rent out the space for everything from “Christmas parties to birthday parties, movie premieres, jazz series, blues series, country series.”
The Lobo Theater is at 3013 Central Ave. (aka Route 66).
According to Cinema Treasures, the Lobo opened on Aug. 19, 1938, and Paramount Pictures operated it during the early 1940s.
It screened independent, classic and cult films — mostly for nearby University of New Mexico students — and hosted concerts with local bands for many years before the church took it over about 20 years ago.
(Image of the Lobo Theater in Albuquerque by Thomas Hawk via Flickr)