Property Record
115-117-123 N 4TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | The Rivoli Building and Theatre |
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| Other Name: | The Rivoli Building and Theatre |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 32189 |
| Location (Address): | 115-117-123 N 4TH ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
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| Year Built: | 1920 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | large office building |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | Parkinson and Dockendorff |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | La Crosse Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/2/1994 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 10/8/1993 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Creme brick facade divided into eleven bays by full length pilasters that terminate in the medallion and pediment ornamented parapet above the projecting cornice; interior of theatre retains Spanish Courtyard motif; store fronts have been somewhat altered. Builder was Joseph and Frank Schwalbe. An example of 1920s architectural design by Parkinson and Dockendorff combined with an interior theatre design by the O.J. Oyen firm, the Rivoli Theatre, originally featuring an orchestra pit for silent films and vaudeville acts before it was remodeled c. 1930 for talking films is the oldest moving theatre remaining in La Crosse. Architecturally significant as the best representative of late neo-classicism in the commercial district. The interior has retained elements of the Spanish courtyard motif, the store fronts have been altered over the years. This is a concrete building with brick curtain walls and a false wood roof. The theatre section has a tile roof on exposed steel joists and trusses with suspended metal lath and plaster. The original entrance was at 119 N. 4th Street with a metal structure 1 story high above the sidewalk. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Heritage Tour (La Crosse Historical Society, 1982). B. Leighton Oyen, Interview tih Joan Rausch, May, 1978. C. Sanborn-Perris Map, City of La Crosse, 1938. D. La Crosse City Directory, 1919-1924. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |