The Iola was an exceptionally strange theater. Looking at the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, the narrow lobby went through the entire depth of the building fronting Milwaukee, and then extended across the alley to the theater, which sat on the island at the center of the block, with a natatorium next to it. It had small balconies along each side of the auditorium, rather than at the rear, and the stage was trapezoidal due to the shape of the block. This now sleepy block must have been quite different in 1914; it contained 4 theaters, the Schoenhofen (Brewery) Hall, the natatorium, billiard halls, bowling alleys, and about 5 other small halls. It also contained 11 tailor shops for some reason, as well as the Moeller Bros department store. The remains of the lobby may have stood until recently; a condominium was built on the site in 2007
What it should remind you of is the Morse/Co-Ed – the facades are extremely similar. Also, note that the terra cotta over the entrance of the Morse is a virtually identical design to that at the Village North. Also similar are the Bertha, Broadway and Village North designs. Grossman and Proskauer seem to have had something of a template.
That place has gone way downhill since it ceased being Mitchell’s and turned into Michael’s. It was even shut down for cockroaches, improper temperatures, and an unsanitary grease trap for a while this summer. On the subject of restaurants, from 1899-1970, the corner of Clark and Germania was occupied by the venerable German restaurant Red Star Inn, which was torn down to allow the drive to be widened for Sandburg Village. This restaurant, a favorite of some influential politicians, including Sen. Dirksen, was the primary reason why the Germania Club, Theater, and Red Star Inn were spared from demolition in the mid-60s. Also a factor was that the theater and the adjacent buildings (Mitchell’s was built as a Walgreens) were owned by State Rep. Bill Schoeninger.
Other things I just found out: In 1977 the operator was Kohlberg theaters. In 1985 there was a proposal to build a large, stepped apartment tower over part of the Germania Club and on the site of the Village and Mitchell’s; the new building would have accommodated replacement locations for both. I would guess that because the Michael’s restaurant is pretty marginal, the corner site including the theater is at risk despite the Orange rating on the theater.
There was also JEO Pridmore’s 1909 Cort Theatre in Chicago, which is also often cited (with some debate mainly regarding the level of ornateness and sky effects) as the first atmospheric in the US.
I believe there are numerous signs to that effect throughout the lot you parked in as well as on the marquee signs for the theater. Best of luck, but I think you’ll have trouble.
8 years, closed because people came to gamble and not watch movies. However the Fox Lake was built by classic too. Built as 5 screens, now 9, open for 12 years and running.
Actually Classic did have a new build, the Casino, and has built many screen additions in adjacent properties, effectively the same as a new build, which Village has not.
Great photos. I saw the site was unsecured during demolition but never tried going in, and I’ve always regretted it. Thanks for getting the photos I couldn’t. Now if only I’d gotten a better souvenir fragment than a piece of zigzag foil wallpaper.
The famous local store Abt Electronics had its start in the corner store here from 1936 to the mid 70s. Perhaps a little ironic – it started as a theater, and now Abt is one of the leading home theatre companies.
Interestingly, a 1927 issue of Exhibitor’s Herald announcing the Oriental and Senate(?) theatre projects in Milwaukee names Gurda & Gurda as the architectural firm. Anyone know what the story is there?
The Iola was an exceptionally strange theater. Looking at the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, the narrow lobby went through the entire depth of the building fronting Milwaukee, and then extended across the alley to the theater, which sat on the island at the center of the block, with a natatorium next to it. It had small balconies along each side of the auditorium, rather than at the rear, and the stage was trapezoidal due to the shape of the block. This now sleepy block must have been quite different in 1914; it contained 4 theaters, the Schoenhofen (Brewery) Hall, the natatorium, billiard halls, bowling alleys, and about 5 other small halls. It also contained 11 tailor shops for some reason, as well as the Moeller Bros department store. The remains of the lobby may have stood until recently; a condominium was built on the site in 2007
What photos?
I wonder why there’s the architect discrepancy.
I believe the theater and office building are separately owned.
The League of Historic American Theaters is well-equipped to offer advice.
What it should remind you of is the Morse/Co-Ed – the facades are extremely similar. Also, note that the terra cotta over the entrance of the Morse is a virtually identical design to that at the Village North. Also similar are the Bertha, Broadway and Village North designs. Grossman and Proskauer seem to have had something of a template.
That place has gone way downhill since it ceased being Mitchell’s and turned into Michael’s. It was even shut down for cockroaches, improper temperatures, and an unsanitary grease trap for a while this summer. On the subject of restaurants, from 1899-1970, the corner of Clark and Germania was occupied by the venerable German restaurant Red Star Inn, which was torn down to allow the drive to be widened for Sandburg Village. This restaurant, a favorite of some influential politicians, including Sen. Dirksen, was the primary reason why the Germania Club, Theater, and Red Star Inn were spared from demolition in the mid-60s. Also a factor was that the theater and the adjacent buildings (Mitchell’s was built as a Walgreens) were owned by State Rep. Bill Schoeninger.
Other things I just found out: In 1977 the operator was Kohlberg theaters. In 1985 there was a proposal to build a large, stepped apartment tower over part of the Germania Club and on the site of the Village and Mitchell’s; the new building would have accommodated replacement locations for both. I would guess that because the Michael’s restaurant is pretty marginal, the corner site including the theater is at risk despite the Orange rating on the theater.
There was also JEO Pridmore’s 1909 Cort Theatre in Chicago, which is also often cited (with some debate mainly regarding the level of ornateness and sky effects) as the first atmospheric in the US.
Witchita, rather.
The Orpheum in Kansas City is claimed to be an earlier Eberson atmospheric
/theaters/4249/ New Apollo. The building across the street was not a theater.
http://cinematreasures.org/news/17472_0_1_0_C/
I believe there are numerous signs to that effect throughout the lot you parked in as well as on the marquee signs for the theater. Best of luck, but I think you’ll have trouble.
Disregard that. It’s always said that. Means nothing.
Here is a great series of recent shots at the Uptown
8 years, closed because people came to gamble and not watch movies. However the Fox Lake was built by classic too. Built as 5 screens, now 9, open for 12 years and running.
Actually Classic did have a new build, the Casino, and has built many screen additions in adjacent properties, effectively the same as a new build, which Village has not.
That was the 1-22-27 issue, p 26 for the record
Opened 1916
Architect was David Saul Klafter.
More are Here
Great photos. I saw the site was unsecured during demolition but never tried going in, and I’ve always regretted it. Thanks for getting the photos I couldn’t. Now if only I’d gotten a better souvenir fragment than a piece of zigzag foil wallpaper.
The famous local store Abt Electronics had its start in the corner store here from 1936 to the mid 70s. Perhaps a little ironic – it started as a theater, and now Abt is one of the leading home theatre companies.
See /theaters/4467/
Interestingly, a 1927 issue of Exhibitor’s Herald announcing the Oriental and Senate(?) theatre projects in Milwaukee names Gurda & Gurda as the architectural firm. Anyone know what the story is there?