Albany Seeking to Raise Money to Resurrect Rigney Theater

A beloved piece of Albany’s history is on the verge of a comeback. The Rigney Theater, an iconic community gathering place since 1914, has launched a 30-day campaign to raise $50,000 — funds that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to support its restoration.

Once a hub for movies, live shows, and community events, the Rigney has stood silent for over a decade. Now, with renewed interest from local citizens and civic groups, a unique opportunity has emerged to restore the building and revive its place in Albany’s cultural life.

“This theater holds generations of memories,” said Linda Place, Albany Community Development Corporation board member. “We want to ensure it becomes a place where future generations can continue to create memories of their own.”

Donations are being accepted online through the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, as well as by cash, check, and Required Minimum Distribution. Every dollar donated through July 15 will be matched up to $50,000, doubling the impact and bringing the dream of full restoration closer to reality.

Checks can be made to the Albany Legacy Fund/Rigney and dropped off or mailed to Albany City Hall at 106 E Clay Street, Albany MO 64402. Additional information on how to donate can be found at www.therigney.org/match.

This phase of funding will go toward the purchase and installation of doors and windows. Roof repairs were completed in 2020 thanks to the generosity of individual donors. Initial cleanout was completed in 2021, along with repairs to the high roof. A structural engineer was then engaged to create repair drawings for the exterior of the building. In November 2024, work began to repair the exterior brick and is projected to continue through July 2025.

The extensive exterior work is funded with State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. The Rigney faces a long road ahead until it is fully operational, but the matching grant campaign will be of great assistance. PO Box 181, Albany, Missouri 64402, 660-726-3935

Originally opened in 1914, the Rigney Theater served Albany through decades of entertainment, beginning with live plays and music and evolving into feature films and events. More about its history is available at www.therigney.org/History.

The Albany Community Development Corporation plans to restore the iconic Rigney Theater building into a multi-use facility, allowing future generations to continue to create new memories at the Rigney. The future of the Rigney is in our hands. How big can you dream? For more information, contact Mackenzie Manring at 660-726-3935 option 3, extension 5 or ecodev@albanymo.net, or an Albany Community Development Corporation board member: Linda Place, Darlene King, Rex Homan, Gene Hogue, Ed Manring, Phil Glick, or Derek Brown.