There are a few options floating around for a new and improved Lake Dillon Theatre — besides a spot at La Riva Mall — although nothing is set in stone quite yet.

The most talked-about possibility so far is the move to La Riva; it is estimated to cost $3.5-4 million after property purchase for renovations to a new 15,00-square-foot space, which would include a main 183-seat theater and an adjoining space that would hold 80-100 people. But the owner of Adriano's Bistro and Deli, Ivano Ottoborgo, has also put forward a proposal: the purchase of part of his adjacent property — by either a developer, the theater or the Town of Dillon — so a new theater could be built and still be visible from Highway 6.

The Town of Dillon has expressed interest in helping to improve the theater, as a revitalized and bigger space could potentially draw more visitors and businesses to the area. But, where or when a new theater will appear is still up in the air.

“The (Dillon Town) council has made no decision about what might happen with the theater space,” said Carri McDonnell, acting town co-manager and finance director. The town is reviewing “several proposals,” she said, including Ottoborgo's and the idea of building another theater from the ground up, although there is no space in mind.

McDonnell said the council is aware of the proposal from Adriano's, but “it was just a very early discussion.” The town does not yet have any figures as far as cost goes.

Ottoborgo said he proposed the idea with the thought that the town, which owns the land the existing theater sits on, could turn that into a parking lot and possibly use any extra land for commercial space or condominiums.

McDonnell said council will probably enter preliminary discussions in the next few months about the different possibilities, but the decision is also the Lake Dillon Theatre's.

“It has to come from them as well,” she said.

An economic driver

Mayor Ron Holland said the theater, wherever it ends up, is an important asset for the community. In other towns that have worked toward economic redevelopment — as Dillon is — he said the arts have shown to be the catalyst.

“It's good for the businesses, especially the restaurants,” Holland said. “It just brings in a good cross-section of the entire community. We think the arts in general are good for the entire town.”

Holland said council is open to look at any option available for a new theater.

Holland, who also lives in the La Riva building and manages Lakeside Bowl in the mall, said he will recuse himself from any council votes on a new theater location because of his relationship with the building owner.

Dillon property owner and Realtor Eddie O'Brien firmly believes the arts are the basis for recreating Dillon. He thinks a new theater should be somewhere along Lake Dillon Drive or down by Lake Dillon.

“Lets have a beautiful arts district with a beautiful view which has access through a vibrant main street,” O'Brien said. “This is one of those beautiful places in Colorado, and should reach for further and better uses.”