Georgia State University - Rialto Theater Complex

Georgia State University (GSU) is highly involved in the process of revitalizing the urban core of downtown Atlanta. In 1994, GSU recognized an opportunity to acquire and renovate the Rialto Theater Complex; a theater and surrounding office complex that would be used by GSU’s School of Music.  Although GSU had raised significant capital to acquire the facility, their funding was not sufficient to complete the acquisition.

GSU turned to TUFF to bridge the financing gap. TUFF purchased the building and renovated the theater complex to the school’s exact specifications.  The $16.8 million complex consists of three facilities: two office buildings and an amphitheater. TUFF invested $4.8 million, while the Woodruff Foundation made a $3 million grant and the Georgia State University Foundation raised $9 million. At the end of 2009, TUFF transferred ownership back to GSU’s foundation.

Today, the 1,000 seat state-of-the-art performance venue hosts dozens of internationally recognized artists. The 80,000 square feet of offices, classrooms, and recording and rehearsal studios have been instrumental in the progress of GSU’s School of Music program.