Property Record
2579-2597 N DOWNER AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Neacy Read Investment Co. |
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| Other Name: | Belleview-Webster (West) |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 78300 |
| Location (Address): | 2579-2597 N DOWNER AVE |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1915 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1993 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Martin Tullgran |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | This structure is a fine example of a WWI period commercial building. It is the oldest known theater still operating in the City of Milwaukee. Built more than twelve years before the advent of "talking pictures," the theater is one of the few in the metropolitan area that made the transition from silent pictures to sound pictures. The oldest popcorn wagon has reputedly stood at 2590 N Downer Ave since 1916, made of wood and metal. Records confirm that the wagon was there in 1963 when the City of Milwaukee bought the parking lot that it partially stands upon. However, first-hand recollections of area residents propose that the wagon has stood in this area much earlier than 1963. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Permit. Final Historic Designation Study Report: North Downer Avenue Commercial District, (Jakubovich: 2001). |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |