Property Record
125 N Main St
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | West Bend Theater |
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| Other Name: | West Bend Cinema |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 68965 |
| Location (Address): | 125 N Main St |
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| County: | Washington |
| City: | West Bend |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
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| Year Built: | 1929 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 198720122022 |
| Historic Use: | theater/opera house/concert hall |
| Architectural Style: | Art Deco |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | A.J. Graven (architect) |
| Other Buildings On Site: | N |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | West Bend Theater |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/14/2020 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 11/22/2019 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | West Bend Downtown Historic District |
| National Register Listing Date: | 3/17/2023 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 11/18/2022 |
| 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 State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. The West Bend Theater dates to 1929; the architect was A.J. Graven. It was the fourth theater constructed in the city (the other three are no longer extant). It was built by August Berkholtz and Louis Kuehlthau, who incorporated the West Bend Theater Company in 1929; the completed building was owned by W.W. Oeflein, Inc. Between 1929 and 1932, the theater was leased to Community Theaters, Inc. Berkholtz took over the lease in 1932 and the Berkholtz family operated (and eventually re-acquired) the theater until 1962. The theater originally had a capacity of 600 spread out along its main level and balcony. In addition to showing motion pictures, the theater hosted live vaudeville acts until 1934. The building also had originally a small commercial barber shop/commercial space that has since been removed. The theater was split into two screens in the 1970s – one in the lower level and one in the former balcony. The lower level was divided into two screens in 1992. Surveyed by Heritage Research (2012). Covenant/Easement: Expires 1-31-2040. Effective 1-31-2020. A 'covenant file' exists for this property. It may contain additional information such as photos, drawings and correspondence. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. |
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| Bibliographic References: | WEST BEND DAILY NEWS 8/17/1996. Historic photos and Newspaper clipping collection--Washington County Historical Society. “Architecture/History Survey: Construct Pedestrian Bridge Over Milwaukee River & Veterans Ave., West Bend” WHS project number 12-0999/WT. May 2012. Prepared by Heritage research, Ltd. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |