Property Record
2626 W CENTER ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Savoy Theater |
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| Other Name: | Black Historical Society Museum |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 115498 |
| Location (Address): | 2626 W CENTER ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1914 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19992024 |
| Historic Use: | theater/opera house/concert hall |
| Architectural Style: | Exotic Revivals |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | M. Tullgren and Sons |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. Alterations. A painted mural exists along the structure's west wall and is entitled "The Heroes in You." It was created by local artist Amar Tate. The painting depicts numerous images of African-American people and, if closely examined, it can be seen that they all generally resemble one another - some young, some old. The artwork's message was conceptualized by the Director of the Black Historical Society Museum, Clayborn Benson. The building was originally constructed for the Trinz family. Following the success of opening his first "electric" theatre on Mitchell Street in 1906, Henry Trinz and his brothers Samuel, Joseph, and Aaron were able to open theatres on Kinnickinnic and Lincoln avenues as well as this facility. By 1914, the Trinz Corporation had seven theatres in operation; however, by 1920, the brothers sold their Milwaukee interests and returned to their home city of Chicago. The subject theatre experienced a variety of name and management changes over the next 50 years before it was closed in the early 1980s. 2024 - New second-story windows, three bays wide separated by stone-detailed pilasters |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1. Tax Records. Sussex Lannon Lisbon 6/3/1993. Building permit. Larry Widen and Judi Anderson, Milwaukee Movie Palaces, (Milwaukee: Milwaukee County Historical Society, 1986) p. 27. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |