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Theaters Replacing Familiar Marquees


Salt Lake Tribune, 19 July 1973, page E1
City ordinances and old age are causing changes in theater marquees.

Early this week the Studio Theatre replaced its familiar triangular marquee with an almost flush sign on the front of its theater, and according to the firm's maintenance foreman, the other theaters will follow.

"We did it because of the new sign ordinance and because the signs wouldn't need rewiring," said Andy Andersen of ABC Intermountain.  He explained changes will soon be mae at the Centre Theatre and at the Utah Theatre, which will receive a new name - Utah I and Utah II - to replace the Utah Theatre and Penthouse Theatre designations.
                                
The sign ordinance, which was passed three years ago and became effective May 3, is in 3rd District Court.  A suit filed by Young Electric Sign Co. against the city challenges the constitutionality of the ordinance.

Deputy City Attorney Roger F. Cutler said the case is still waiting to be heard.  A preliminary injuction prevents the city from enforcing the ordinance.

But Mr. Anderson said the changes comply with the new ordinance and the firm got an extension from the May 3 deadline, because the signs were ordered.

Herb Gilbert, manager of the Rialto Theater, said its sign was removed July 12 and replaced Friday.  The Rialto is one of the Mann Theaters including the Southeast, Villa, Fox Cottonwood and Olympus Drive-In.  These are not affected by the ordinance because they are located outside the downtown area.