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Property Record

115-117-123 N 4TH ST

Historic Name:
The Rivoli Building and Theatre
Other Name:
The Rivoli Building and Theatre
Reference Number:
32189

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
Architectural Style
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
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Attribution

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