[1] A local landmark and movie house, the theatre was constructed in 1926 to much fanfare, and was originally named "The New Rivera."

The console was painted and decorated to harmonize with the theatre's interior, by Wurlitzer's Band Organ Artist.

At the end of the silent movie era in the 1930s, the Wurlitzer Theatre organ went into disuse and disrepair and was not heard again until 1944, when it was refurbished.

A smaller chandelier that came from the Park Lane Restaurant of Buffalo was installed in the Riviera's outer lobby at the same time.

[1][2] Changing economics threatened to shutter or destroy the theatre on numerous occasions, but it is now a great source of community pride for residents of the Tonawandas.

In 2008, the organ was re-voiced and restored to nearly original condition, providing a new symphonic sound for concerts and events.

The Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer has provided more entertainment consistently in its original setting than most other Theatre organs, nationwide.

In place of the plexiglass letter board, two LED video screens now display upcoming events, the content of which was specifically created by the Riviera's design specialist, to imitate the grid and original metal lettering on the board.