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Property Location
| Location (Address) | 115-117-123 N 4TH ST |
|---|---|
| County | La Crosse |
| City/Village | La Crosse |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1920 |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Additional Comments |
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. |
| 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. |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | La Crosse Commercial Historic District |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | Sep 02, 1994 |
| State Register Listing Date | Oct 08, 1993 |
| Contributing | Yes |
| Additional Documentation | Apr 22, 2016 |
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
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