Property Record
212-218 E Wall St
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | August H. LaRenzie Block / Vilas Theatre |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 135227 |
| Location (Address): | 212-218 E Wall St |
|---|---|
| County: | Vilas |
| City: | Eagle River |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1926 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | 1928 1935C. 1995 |
| Survey Date: | 20042023 |
| Historic Use: | theater/opera house/concert hall |
| Architectural Style: | Twentieth Century Commercial |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Smith and Brandt; D.s. Burnett |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Eagle River Downtown Historic District |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | 2/6/2025 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 8/23/2024 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| 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. SURVEYED IN 2004. MODEST THEATRE WITH RESTRAINED ORNAMENTATION, CENTRAL RECESSED ENTRY SHIELDED BY A PROJECTING BALUSTRADED PORTICO, AND INTACT 4/1 DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS ON THE SECOND STORY. Includes a large marquee that extends perpendicular to the facade, embellished with its lighted, "VILAS THEATRE." 2024: As originally conceived, the 1926 commercial block was to consist of three stores and a rear assembly hall, while the second floor was to house August La Renzie’s men’s shirt factory. Neither the assembly hall nor the factory came to fruition. As a result, the second floor originally housed multiple offices and, when the theater was completed, it also included the projection booth. The basement originally included a bowling alley, pool hall, boiler room and storage; however, in 1927-28, a portion of the basement was remodeled into a dance hall, which later became a bar. Designed by the Appleton firm of Smith & Brandt, the 485-seat, first-run theatre opened on 19 July 1928, showing the film My Best Girl with Mary Pickford. The interior of the theatre was divided into two theatres in 1978. A third theatre was created in the commercial section in 1989 and, in 1995, the rear addition was added to accommodate two additional screens. The theatre today operates four screens. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | "Start New Building," Eagle River Review, 30 October 1924, 1. “La Renzie Bldg. Progressing,” Eagle River Review, 21 May 1925, 1 The three retail spaces were occupied by La Renzie’s ready-to-wear shop, Roy Sterr’s gift shop and Franklin Dutcher’s haberdashery, La Renzie Building Will Be Completed May 15,” The Vilas County News, 21 April 1926, 1; “Vilas Theatre/La Renzie, August, Building,” Determination of Eligibility, Prepared by Elizabeth L. Miller for GLARC, Inc., May 2005, n.p. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |