Details of an inspection… from the paperwork that was attached to it, I think it is from the point when the theater closed in November of 1952 and attempts were made to sell it as a theater. Included are details about the projection booth and stage/screen area.
I spent a good portion of this morning in the Milwaukee City Assessors Office and a bit of time at the Print and Record Services Office at City Hall in Milwaukee. I found everyone I encountered to be very helpful, especally when I explained the reason for my quest.
I have sitting next to me on my desk about 40 pages of documents about the building that were on file. These were the orignal paper documents which I was able to photocopy. Included in this paperwork are specifications about the building when it was put up for sale at the end of its initial life as a movie theater, including dimensions, material descriptions (4 bubblers), Wisconsin Chair Company Chairs, dimensions for them, multiple dimension drawings with measurements, curtian size and stage size, boiler information and the list goes on. I am in the process of scanning these pages and will post links to them once I have this done.
There was also a 4 page flyer created by Arthur J. Straus company, a mortgage bond company offering a bond issue on the building (Theater and Store building). The building was appraised at that time by a gentleman named Albert C. Reichard, who was a ‘well known northwest side realtor(sic), whose offices are on Center Street… certified to by Peacock and Frank, architects and engineers for the building."
I also have printed copies of two of the three original drawings submitted to the City of Milwuakee of the building. The remaining one was showing ductwork for the heating/ventilation and was not in very good shape. These were printed from Microfilm on file at City Hall.
First off, it was very exciting to get a hold of this record. I was holding peices of paper that went back to the 1930’s and the assessment of the building by the city at that time. The flyer was a bonus, and there was a photo taken in 1968 of the exterior of the building, configured for Venetian Sales.
Stay tuned, I’ll post links when I have this all assembled.
Well as I sit here I am very saddened by the news of the demise of the Venetian Theater Building. Like some of you, this building was a part of my life and I will be sad to see to see it go.
I took a drive around the building to take some recordings of the current state and see if I could find any sign of it’s current status, such as abestos removal taking place or the like. I’m sure there is some in there and they will have to abate that before the can tear it down.
When I was a youth and it housed the Venetian Sales Operation, there were a number of water marks on the drop ceiling that had been put in the auditorium area, and that was well over 30 years ago.
I shot some video tape of the building today and it is posted here.
The roof is mostly gone, and I suspect that all there would not be much of the interior left after our lovely Wisconsin rain and snow have had at it. It is in worse shape than it was just 6 months ago and far more than 2 years ago when I begin my project about the surrounding area of the theater.
I’m not sure what there would be worth saving after all this neglect. (There is only one way to find out!)
Does anyone have access to some air transport such as a helicopter or small plane that someone might take a look at it from up there. Short of climbing up on the building, it might suit to get a view. If someone did… take photos!
I don’t know if this helps or confuses the issue in question about the architect of the Venetian. Here are several photos I have taken of the building to show some details of it. These were taken last year when I started working on my essay about the old neighborhood.
Detail of one front section. Note that this is repeated at the other end of the front half, and on the street corner facing west. There are no other details on the west wall. The east wall faces a two story residence which at one time had a pop-corn shop infront of it. View link
North West Corner of the building looking up View link
Heat and Air Conditioning plant area. Note what I belive are exit doors that empty to the ally. View link
When I first looked at the building two years ago, someone had attached blue tarp across this portion of the roof. When I returned a few months later it was gone and this was the view.
What this means is that the interior of the building has been subjected to rain, snow and all sorts of weather. I had read in an article from 2003 about the Venetian that there was a ‘hole in the roof the size of a swimming pool’ and that it had been like that for a few years. Sadly, I think this means that there would be little to salvage of what once was. Still, I’d love to get inside and find out….
I only recall one set of stairs which lead upstairs. They were just off the consession stand, which was being used for watch and small radio sales. You can see a bit of them here:
As I recall in the days of Venetian Sales (a variety store, not furniture) there was a drop cieling which was at the level of the bottom of the balcony and stayed at that level until it reached the stage area. They were white cieling panels with floresent fixtures. A speaker sat on the edge of the stage area playing music from some radio station, I think WEZW, the easy listening station. I’m guessing that it might have been a speaker used for showing movies. I really can’t say. As a kid, having been told the stories that I was by the adults in the neighborhood about the theater and the experience of watching a movie there, I wanted to get above the drop cieling and look around.
The lobby, which was at the time used as part of the store where Charlie sold candy, small elecronics such as radios etc from the former Consession stand and the daily paper. Later he added some minor groceries and beer.
Given that, I doubt the windows went into the lobby. I have heard that at one time there was a remodeling of the lobby and that may have changed the reasons for the windows.
I do not recall seeing stairs in the auditorium. Perhaps someone who has seen the actual floor plan for it can explain.
However, we fall to the same problem this idea has had in the past. I contacted Fred Hermes, listed above, who basicily laughted at me and said it would be a matter of breaking and entering, which would as well all know, not be legal. We would need to get permission of the owner. The city of Milwaukee website does not list the addres when looking for Property records.
Yes, it is sad that the building has falled into such dis-repair and neglect and is now just waiting for a fate we know will not be happy.
I was also sad to see how the area has deteriated and I am told is one of the worst areas in town. I was there a few months ago to take photos for an essay I am working on about my old neighborhood, who lived where and what went on. The Venitian was very much a part of that, if only as a retail store, which is all I have ever known it to be, or now empty.
My only hope is that there are people in the area who are fighting the good fight for a quality neighborhood and working to bring meaningful businesses to the area. They are having some successes. But like everything else, progress is slow.
The building is now being operated by “The Greater Phidelphia Church of God in Christ”. They have put a new sign in place of the OIC-GM one. Workers were at the site for several weeks, I do not know what work was done to the building.
This was by my recollection the Marquee that was in place on the building until the City of Milwaukee re worked Center Street, which I think was in 1981 or 1982. I can’t be sure. Venetian Sales had use the movie display letters to add the word “Sales” under it and then had some of the items, “Toys”, Watches" etc. as well.
With thanks to Jim Rankin, I have posted 4 items for your viewing pleasure.
Page 1 of the Article from Exhibitors Herald. View link
Page 2 of the Article from Exhibitors Herald. View link
Two views of the Concession Stand,
Note the Gaine to the left on this one: View link
Note the base of the staircase on this one: View link
In its later life as Venetian Sales, the Conession stand was used for Electronics and watches. The “Enjoy Pure Buttered Popcorn” was intact as were the mirrors and shelves on the back wall. This was where radios and so on where on display. The counters were used for Watches. Clocks were displayed in the popcorn area. I suspect, buy the way, that the term “Pure” on the popcorn was due to this being in the Dairy State and Wisconsins strict laws against Margarine and and tint of yellow in Margarine.
I do not intend to violate any copyright laws by this. I hope no one is offended. (The Publication stopped many years ago, I am told)
Should this help anyone come up with further details about the Theatre, I would love to read them.
The March 6th, 1927 Milwaukee Journal did indeed have a sketch of the interior. I was able to make a fair printout of it there, scan it, do some touch up and clean up. I have posted that here:
I also found the ad for the Opening Gala of March 18th. However, it is a simple column ad and did not really having anything else to it. I was not able to get a clean print of it that might show anything of value. Sadly.
The library was unable to help me with a copy of Exhibitors Herald as listed above, finding no such publication. If anyone has something more about that, can you post it or perhaps we can do something via email?
I looked in “Old Milwaukee: A Historic Tour….” by Gregory Filardo, and did not find any postcard of The Venetion on any page.
I found a book by Robert K (Kirk) Headley titled, The Theaters of Milwaukee, which you can view at the Downtown Milwaukee Library in the Zeidler Room. It cannot be checked out. It had a photo of the exterior, as we see above. However, what theater fans may find interesting are views of and history on other buildings. Some of them are very stark, sad photos of the last moments of the building such as the interior of the Egyption and the decline and wrecking of the Princess. Mr. Headley wrote the book for the Milwaukee County Historical Society. It is out of print.
Lastly, a quick stop to the Milwaukee County Historical Society allowed me to view a photo, as mentioned of the marquee and front ticket book. There were no other photos or records on file there.
However, the Gentleman who helped me there said he understood that a book was currently being written by Larry Widen of the State Historical Society, and that there was some interest in the Venetian. But, one never knows about these rumors. I’ll persue that and report anything here.
In the mean time, if anyone has anything else by way of photos etc. I really would love to see them. This building has meaning to me, and short of the risk of going in now… well… anyway.
The building that houses this Theatre was just sold to New Land Enterprises. They own the Landmark Theatre in Milwaukee, and have announced plans to create condominumums on the property using a parking lot space. There is no threat to the Fox Bay Cinema.
You can find details about the sale here: View link
I was aware that Katz properties was trying to offload the building several months ago, but unaware that they had proposed condos. At issue seems to have been the height of the new building. Cinema fans should be pleased about this development.
The (City of Milwaukee) Common Council this week approved a $75,000 grant to help with the estimated $1 million remodeling tab at the Avalon, 2469-2483 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
The style of this building, from the exterior is very very different from that of the Venetion which was another Peacock & Frank design. I grew up a few blocks from the Venetion. I am pleased to see that the Marquee is still on the building, and many of the details of the building have been left intact.
Is of the roof of the building on the south west corner. As you can see, it is wide open. When I looked at this building in May of 2004, there was some patching materials covering this spot. When I returned in June it was as you see it in the photo. This would be over the stage area.
When I was a kid and the building was in use as a retail store (Venetian Sales) there were a number of water leaks in the false ceiling that was built over the seating area. I doubt they were ever really repaired. In the mean time, this year alone we have had several inches of snow which I would imagine went right into the building.
I am not an expert in structures, but I would doubt that this can be saved, or is of value to save. Much of the detailed plaster items were painted over or destroyed during its' retail life. Who knows what is still around now.
There may also be some future opportunities for this building as OIC (The Opportunities Industrialization Center), current owners of the building are experiencing some great difficulties.
I am wondering if there is anyway to get into the building, knowing that it may be of some hazard to do so. I would want to do this in a legal manner. Any suggestions given that ownership is unknown (I think) Gregory Filardo must have had a way to get in to retrieve the ‘gaines,’ I’ll bring a hardhat.
Scanning went faster than I expected….
Details of an inspection… from the paperwork that was attached to it, I think it is from the point when the theater closed in November of 1952 and attempts were made to sell it as a theater. Included are details about the projection booth and stage/screen area.
View link
View link
View link
View link
Photo of exterior. Circa 1968.
View link
Hello again gentle readers,
I spent a good portion of this morning in the Milwaukee City Assessors Office and a bit of time at the Print and Record Services Office at City Hall in Milwaukee. I found everyone I encountered to be very helpful, especally when I explained the reason for my quest.
I have sitting next to me on my desk about 40 pages of documents about the building that were on file. These were the orignal paper documents which I was able to photocopy. Included in this paperwork are specifications about the building when it was put up for sale at the end of its initial life as a movie theater, including dimensions, material descriptions (4 bubblers), Wisconsin Chair Company Chairs, dimensions for them, multiple dimension drawings with measurements, curtian size and stage size, boiler information and the list goes on. I am in the process of scanning these pages and will post links to them once I have this done.
There was also a 4 page flyer created by Arthur J. Straus company, a mortgage bond company offering a bond issue on the building (Theater and Store building). The building was appraised at that time by a gentleman named Albert C. Reichard, who was a ‘well known northwest side realtor(sic), whose offices are on Center Street… certified to by Peacock and Frank, architects and engineers for the building."
I also have printed copies of two of the three original drawings submitted to the City of Milwuakee of the building. The remaining one was showing ductwork for the heating/ventilation and was not in very good shape. These were printed from Microfilm on file at City Hall.
First off, it was very exciting to get a hold of this record. I was holding peices of paper that went back to the 1930’s and the assessment of the building by the city at that time. The flyer was a bonus, and there was a photo taken in 1968 of the exterior of the building, configured for Venetian Sales.
Stay tuned, I’ll post links when I have this all assembled.
Tim
Hello everyone.
Well as I sit here I am very saddened by the news of the demise of the Venetian Theater Building. Like some of you, this building was a part of my life and I will be sad to see to see it go.
I took a drive around the building to take some recordings of the current state and see if I could find any sign of it’s current status, such as abestos removal taking place or the like. I’m sure there is some in there and they will have to abate that before the can tear it down.
When I was a youth and it housed the Venetian Sales Operation, there were a number of water marks on the drop ceiling that had been put in the auditorium area, and that was well over 30 years ago.
I shot some video tape of the building today and it is posted here.
View link
The roof is mostly gone, and I suspect that all there would not be much of the interior left after our lovely Wisconsin rain and snow have had at it. It is in worse shape than it was just 6 months ago and far more than 2 years ago when I begin my project about the surrounding area of the theater.
I’m not sure what there would be worth saving after all this neglect. (There is only one way to find out!)
Does anyone have access to some air transport such as a helicopter or small plane that someone might take a look at it from up there. Short of climbing up on the building, it might suit to get a view. If someone did… take photos!
I don’t know if this helps or confuses the issue in question about the architect of the Venetian. Here are several photos I have taken of the building to show some details of it. These were taken last year when I started working on my essay about the old neighborhood.
Anyway, here are the links.
Detail of the corner top sections:
View link
Detail of one front section. Note that this is repeated at the other end of the front half, and on the street corner facing west. There are no other details on the west wall. The east wall faces a two story residence which at one time had a pop-corn shop infront of it.
View link
North West Corner of the building looking up
View link
Heat and Air Conditioning plant area. Note what I belive are exit doors that empty to the ally. View link
And, sadly, the roof
View link
When I first looked at the building two years ago, someone had attached blue tarp across this portion of the roof. When I returned a few months later it was gone and this was the view.
What this means is that the interior of the building has been subjected to rain, snow and all sorts of weather. I had read in an article from 2003 about the Venetian that there was a ‘hole in the roof the size of a swimming pool’ and that it had been like that for a few years. Sadly, I think this means that there would be little to salvage of what once was. Still, I’d love to get inside and find out….
I only recall one set of stairs which lead upstairs. They were just off the consession stand, which was being used for watch and small radio sales. You can see a bit of them here:
View link
Oddly enough, they had been left untouched in the conversion to the store except for a door which was mounted at the top of them.
Hi Will,
As I recall in the days of Venetian Sales (a variety store, not furniture) there was a drop cieling which was at the level of the bottom of the balcony and stayed at that level until it reached the stage area. They were white cieling panels with floresent fixtures. A speaker sat on the edge of the stage area playing music from some radio station, I think WEZW, the easy listening station. I’m guessing that it might have been a speaker used for showing movies. I really can’t say. As a kid, having been told the stories that I was by the adults in the neighborhood about the theater and the experience of watching a movie there, I wanted to get above the drop cieling and look around.
The lobby, which was at the time used as part of the store where Charlie sold candy, small elecronics such as radios etc from the former Consession stand and the daily paper. Later he added some minor groceries and beer.
Given that, I doubt the windows went into the lobby. I have heard that at one time there was a remodeling of the lobby and that may have changed the reasons for the windows.
I do not recall seeing stairs in the auditorium. Perhaps someone who has seen the actual floor plan for it can explain.
Video and still!
However, we fall to the same problem this idea has had in the past. I contacted Fred Hermes, listed above, who basicily laughted at me and said it would be a matter of breaking and entering, which would as well all know, not be legal. We would need to get permission of the owner. The city of Milwaukee website does not list the addres when looking for Property records.
If we get all that sorted out. I’m in!
Dear PCino,
Yes, it is sad that the building has falled into such dis-repair and neglect and is now just waiting for a fate we know will not be happy.
I was also sad to see how the area has deteriated and I am told is one of the worst areas in town. I was there a few months ago to take photos for an essay I am working on about my old neighborhood, who lived where and what went on. The Venitian was very much a part of that, if only as a retail store, which is all I have ever known it to be, or now empty.
My only hope is that there are people in the area who are fighting the good fight for a quality neighborhood and working to bring meaningful businesses to the area. They are having some successes. But like everything else, progress is slow.
Where did you work?
The building is now being operated by “The Greater Phidelphia Church of God in Christ”. They have put a new sign in place of the OIC-GM one. Workers were at the site for several weeks, I do not know what work was done to the building.
One more photo of the Ventian.. This picture of the Marquee was taken in 1946.. (note the movie..
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038319/
This was by my recollection the Marquee that was in place on the building until the City of Milwaukee re worked Center Street, which I think was in 1981 or 1982. I can’t be sure. Venetian Sales had use the movie display letters to add the word “Sales” under it and then had some of the items, “Toys”, Watches" etc. as well.
Here is the photo link.
By the way. To keep my photo’s organized, I have moved the interior sketch which appeared in the Milwaukee Journal to this location:
View link
Does anyone have anything to add for information?
With thanks to Jim Rankin, I have posted 4 items for your viewing pleasure.
Page 1 of the Article from Exhibitors Herald.
View link
Page 2 of the Article from Exhibitors Herald.
View link
Two views of the Concession Stand,
Note the Gaine to the left on this one:
View link
Note the base of the staircase on this one:
View link
In its later life as Venetian Sales, the Conession stand was used for Electronics and watches. The “Enjoy Pure Buttered Popcorn” was intact as were the mirrors and shelves on the back wall. This was where radios and so on where on display. The counters were used for Watches. Clocks were displayed in the popcorn area. I suspect, buy the way, that the term “Pure” on the popcorn was due to this being in the Dairy State and Wisconsins strict laws against Margarine and and tint of yellow in Margarine.
I do not intend to violate any copyright laws by this. I hope no one is offended. (The Publication stopped many years ago, I am told)
Should this help anyone come up with further details about the Theatre, I would love to read them.
Enjoy
Hello all,
I did some research and found the following.
The March 6th, 1927 Milwaukee Journal did indeed have a sketch of the interior. I was able to make a fair printout of it there, scan it, do some touch up and clean up. I have posted that here:
View link
for your viewing pleasure.
I also found the ad for the Opening Gala of March 18th. However, it is a simple column ad and did not really having anything else to it. I was not able to get a clean print of it that might show anything of value. Sadly.
The library was unable to help me with a copy of Exhibitors Herald as listed above, finding no such publication. If anyone has something more about that, can you post it or perhaps we can do something via email?
I looked in “Old Milwaukee: A Historic Tour….” by Gregory Filardo, and did not find any postcard of The Venetion on any page.
I found a book by Robert K (Kirk) Headley titled, The Theaters of Milwaukee, which you can view at the Downtown Milwaukee Library in the Zeidler Room. It cannot be checked out. It had a photo of the exterior, as we see above. However, what theater fans may find interesting are views of and history on other buildings. Some of them are very stark, sad photos of the last moments of the building such as the interior of the Egyption and the decline and wrecking of the Princess. Mr. Headley wrote the book for the Milwaukee County Historical Society. It is out of print.
Lastly, a quick stop to the Milwaukee County Historical Society allowed me to view a photo, as mentioned of the marquee and front ticket book. There were no other photos or records on file there.
However, the Gentleman who helped me there said he understood that a book was currently being written by Larry Widen of the State Historical Society, and that there was some interest in the Venetian. But, one never knows about these rumors. I’ll persue that and report anything here.
In the mean time, if anyone has anything else by way of photos etc. I really would love to see them. This building has meaning to me, and short of the risk of going in now… well… anyway.
Peace.
This link leads to a photo of the orignal Modjeska Theatre.
View link
Sorry, should have included this link.. interior shot of the theatre:
View link
You can view many photos of this building and the theatre from this link.
Another great view of the theatre from 1921, with youth gathered in front of the building.
View link
The building that houses this Theatre was just sold to New Land Enterprises. They own the Landmark Theatre in Milwaukee, and have announced plans to create condominumums on the property using a parking lot space. There is no threat to the Fox Bay Cinema.
You can find details about the sale here:
View link
and
View link
I was aware that Katz properties was trying to offload the building several months ago, but unaware that they had proposed condos. At issue seems to have been the height of the new building. Cinema fans should be pleased about this development.
The (City of Milwaukee) Common Council this week approved a $75,000 grant to help with the estimated $1 million remodeling tab at the Avalon, 2469-2483 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
http://www.jsonline.com/bym/news/jun05/334641.asp
From the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinal – June 15th, 2005.
There is hope after all.
If you would like to see the front and side of this building, this link will take you to a photo.
View link
The style of this building, from the exterior is very very different from that of the Venetion which was another Peacock & Frank design. I grew up a few blocks from the Venetion. I am pleased to see that the Marquee is still on the building, and many of the details of the building have been left intact.
This building is currently not in use.
A quick building update. I’m not sure if this is really new news, but I drove past the building on Friday.
The roof over the lobby area is now gone and the strut work above the auditorium is now very visible.
Keith,
I am not an expert on theaters like Jim is, but I can tell you some experience things that, sadly, tell me that this building may be beyond salvage.
This photo:
View link
Is of the roof of the building on the south west corner. As you can see, it is wide open. When I looked at this building in May of 2004, there was some patching materials covering this spot. When I returned in June it was as you see it in the photo. This would be over the stage area.
When I was a kid and the building was in use as a retail store (Venetian Sales) there were a number of water leaks in the false ceiling that was built over the seating area. I doubt they were ever really repaired. In the mean time, this year alone we have had several inches of snow which I would imagine went right into the building.
I am not an expert in structures, but I would doubt that this can be saved, or is of value to save. Much of the detailed plaster items were painted over or destroyed during its' retail life. Who knows what is still around now.
You can view the The Perlman chandeliers here;
View link
There may also be some future opportunities for this building as OIC (The Opportunities Industrialization Center), current owners of the building are experiencing some great difficulties.
Nice to see some activity on this page.
I am wondering if there is anyway to get into the building, knowing that it may be of some hazard to do so. I would want to do this in a legal manner. Any suggestions given that ownership is unknown (I think) Gregory Filardo must have had a way to get in to retrieve the ‘gaines,’ I’ll bring a hardhat.
Regards, Tim