Property Record
420 W 2ND ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | BICKSLER'S BLOCK |
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| Other Name: | BAY THEATRE |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 904 |
| Location (Address): | 420 W 2ND ST |
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| County: | Ashland |
| City: | Ashland |
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| Year Built: | 1880 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1983 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Art Deco |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | West Second Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 2/2/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | INTERIOR WITH FUTURISTIC MURALS INTACT. BOLD MARQUEE. BLACK GRANITE FACADE W/ART DECO ORNAMENT. DESCRIPTION: Considered pivotal for the integrity of its Art Deco Style facade, the Bay Theater opened in 1937 and has remained in business as a motion picture theatre since that time. The interior features its original murals, some seating and lobby fixtures. At one time far more colorful with neon and paint and visible from each end of the district, the marquee is now black and white projects over the two small shops built into the facade on either side of the theatre. The cement facade features sparse Art Deco ornamentation and polished black granite along the first floor. The rear of the theatre is all that remains of the previous 1880's building, the Bicksler's Block. SIGNIFICANCE: This well-preserved motion picture theatre is significant as a locally rare example of Art Deco style theatre architecture. The boldest stylistic element is the tall marquee which with its striking lettering and bold geometric form is a prominent visuallandmark in the district during the day and night when its neon light fixtures are in motion. The theatre relates stylistically with the Vogue and together these buildings represent Ashland's best surviving Art-Deco architectue. This theatre, with the Grand Opera House and the Royal Theatre, remain to show that this district of Ashland has traditionally been where entertainments are located through the development of live theatre and early motion picture. The interior features unusual futuristic style murals with northern Wisconsin subjects painted in bright colors that are probably original with the theatre's opening. Owner is interested in restoring property. All the original fixtures are intact inside. |
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| Bibliographic References: | [A] OWNER INTERVIEWED. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |