Property Record
103 COMMERCE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | OPERA HOUSE BUILDING |
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| Other Name: | BELMONT RACQUETBALL COURT & VAULT CHEESE STORE |
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| Reference Number: | 66309 |
| Location (Address): | 103 COMMERCE ST |
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| County: | Lafayette |
| City: | Belmont |
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| Year Built: | 1900 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19831993 |
| Historic Use: | opera house/concert hall |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | An elaborate metal cornice, brick work patterns, and large segmental arch openings with hoods are prominent features of this commercial block. Alterations include removal of the tower roof and reductions in window style. Constructed at the turn of the century (a more precise date is unavailable because the tax records from 1870 to 1940 have not been located), this large commercial block was known as the Opera House Building because it was the entertainment center for the whole area" (Belmont Area History, 1826-1976, p. 3-4). Dances, plays, concerts, and other events were held on the second floor of the corner structure. A variety of commercial establishments were also occupants. In 1916 the Farmer's State Bank, later located at 105 S. Mound Avenue, 31/4, was situated in a portion of the first story. In 1936 the same floor contained Alvin Moody's Recreation Parlor, the Mound City Bank (Belmont Branch), and F.E. Pegg's Electrical Shop. The second floor included the auditorium area and Dr. F.S. Knapp's dentist office. An early photo of the Opera House is contained in the Belmont bicentennial publication. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Belmont Area History, 1826-1976 (Belmont: Privately Published, 1976), pp. 3-4. (B) 1916 Lafayette County Atlas. (C) Belmont Success, October 1936 (Historical Edition). “Architecture/History Survey: Reconstruct USH 151: Dodgeville To Belmont.” WHS project number 92-0510IA/LT. October 1993. Prepared by Great Lakes Archaeological Research Center (GLARC). |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |