Property Record
738 N Doctor Martin Luther King Jr Dr (AKA 738 N 3RD ST)
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Grand Theater |
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| Other Name: | |
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| Reference Number: | 108658 |
| Location (Address): | 738 N Doctor Martin Luther King Jr Dr (AKA 738 N 3RD ST) |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1904 |
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| Additions: | 1909 1913 1925 |
| Survey Date: | 1980 |
| Historic Use: | theater |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stone - Unspecified |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 1986 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | Though the first story facade of this early theatre has been radically altered, the classicized terra cotta upper facade probably dates from the alterations made to the building in 1913 or 1925. One of the early downtown movie theatres in Milwaukee. Although no original building permit exists, in 1909 a permit was issued to alter the building "known as the Grand Theater". City directories list the Grand Theater at this address as far back as 1904. Sanborn map research supports the 1904 construction date as plausible. By 1910 the building was called the Princess Theater and was owned by the Saxe Bros., owners of a circuit of "moving picture theaters" in Milwaukee. The Princess became an adult theatre in the early 1960s. It has been operated continually as a movie theater until 1995. It is currently only used for special events. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |