Property Record
239 N 3RD AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Donna Theatre |
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| Other Name: | Third Avenue Playhouse |
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| Reference Number: | 122661 |
| Location (Address): | 239 N 3RD AVE |
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| County: | Door |
| City: | Sturgeon Bay |
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| Year Built: | 1950 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2005 |
| Historic Use: | theater/opera house/concert hall |
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| Wall Material: | Concrete |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Previously surveyed in 2002, but no survey card prepared. This structure was built between 1898 and 1904 by John Falk and I.L. Buchan and was utilized as a flour & feed store. by 1911, the first floor was a skating rink and the second level was a dance hall, known as Arcadia Hall. October 2005-This two-story, brick structure was originally built circa 1900 and was remodeled between 1947 and 1950. While side walls are constructed of brick, the primary (east) façade is comprised of concrete facing, as well as porcelain tile. Regarding the first level, it includes a series of entrances that alternate with glassed sections for displaying movie posters. An overhang runs along the top of the first floor and carries a lighted marquee which reads "DONNA" to either side and provides space for additional information. Vertically oriented glass-block sections punctuate the "second" level, while a large rectangular section of warehouse-style windows are located above. This building was originally constructed between 1898 and 1904 by John Falk and I.L. Buchan and was first utilized as a flour & feed store. By 1911, the first floor was a skating rink and the second level was a dance hall, known as Arcadia Hall. Although the first-level skating rink was replaced by a tire and auto repair concern by no later than 1919, the dance hall continued to occupy the second level until at least 1928. The first level was later home to a furniture store and a grocery store. In 1943, the building was purchased by Donna Borchert and eventually gutted and remodeled for use as a showcase. As a result of a local contest, the new theater was named the Donna Theatre (after the owner). The Donna officially opened on 25 November 1950; the first movie shown was "King Solomon's Mines." The building is now the home of the Third Avenue Playhouse. |
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| Bibliographic References: | John Gast, "Donna Theatre Opened 55 Years Ago," Door County Magazine, located at www.doorcountymagazine.com/theatre.html, Accessed on 11 November 2005. Sanborn-Perris Fire Insurance Maps, 1898, 1904, 1911, 1919, 1928 and 1928 (with updates to 1944). |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |