Lawsuit claims cell tower is delaying restoration of Huntridge Theater in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A cell tower located on the Huntridge Theater’s property has caused significant delays in the restoration of the historic Las Vegas theatre, a new lawsuit claims.

Brass Monkey, LLC filed an emergency temporary restraining order and request for a preliminary injunction against Crown Castle Inc. and AT&T to “halt activities obstructing the redevelopment of the iconic Huntridge Theater,” the company said Monday.

The lawsuit claims that Crown Castle and AT&T refuse to cooperate with the relocation of the cell tower located on the theater’s property, which has caused delays to the restoration of the theatre.

According to the lawsuit, the companies have breached a 1996 lease agreement, which allowed the placement and construction of the cell tower, by failing to comply with federal regulations governing cellular towers at or near historic buildings.

Brass Monkey says that records show neither AT&T nor Crown Castle obtained the necessary approvals from the Federal Communications Commission before or during the time the cell tower has been on the property located near Maryland Parkway and Charleston Boulevard. The company said it is seeking injunctive relief to relocate the tower and ensure redevelopment proceeds without further delay.

The Huntridge Theater opened in 1944 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, the State Register of Historic Places in 1999 and the City of Las Vegas Historic Register in 2021.

“We remain committed to the preservation and revitalization of the project,” J. Dapper, principal of Brass Monkey, LLC and owner of the Huntridge Theater said. “This legal action is necessary to prevent further harm to the property, in addition to putting us back on track with the renovation.”

The Huntridge Theater’s redevelopment is set to include a new performance arts center operated by SoHo Playhouse. The shuttered performing arts center has previously rocked with performers such as The Killers, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Violent Femmes and more until it closed on July 31, 2004, almost 60 years after it opened.

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