January 2, 1926: McVickers Robbery Seen As Inside Job (AP) — Executives of McVickers theatre were scrutinizing rogues gallery files today while police were seeking former employees of the theatre after the treasurer was held up last night and robbed of $1,000. A robber familiar with the theatre’s floor plan and routine sequestered the treasurer, his wife and another employe and forced them to deliver up the contents of the safe. The police are convinced that intimate knowledge of the layout of the building was necessary to smooth execution of the robbery.
(March 13, 1922 - Kenosha Evening News) -
The Story of Saxe Brothers Who Caught Gleam of Big Idea — Pioneers of the Movies ______
The Saxe brothers John and Tom have been something like patron saints to the moving picture industry in Wisconsin and their management has branched out into other states. They were among the first men of the nation to realize the value of the moving picture as an educational institution. They saw the great possibilities of it to the lover of the cleanest and best in amusements at the minimum price. They saw early the important place that the motion picture was destined to play in modern life and they decided to have a part in the important development.
It was Tom Saxe who first predicted that motion pictures would become entertainment de luxe with productions so elaborate that managers would be justified in asking admission prices on a par with those of the legitimate houses.
Started Fifteen Years Ago
It Was five years before the “Divine Sarah” Bernhardt gave motion pictures real standing by joining the movies that John Saxe, now president of the Saxe Amusement company, and Tom Saxe, secretary of the company, began to dabble in pictures. They set up an old “Hale’s Touring Car” on Grand avenue in Milwaukee as the start of their business. Thousands of people recall this old car when people looked through the windows at pictures which flashed past. It’s a long step from the old touring car to the pictures of today but the Saxe boys were right at the head of the procession in every advancement.
The old car got too small. The world was moving faster, and Saxe Brothers moved with the world. They bought the old Orpheum Theatre in Milwaukee and converted it over to pictures. It was a real success, and then the Saxe boys began to branch out. They secured the Lyric theatre, the Princess, the Crystal and the Alhambra, which they made one of the biggest houses in the nation given over to the new and favorite form of entertainment.
Took a Gamble at “Pictures”
The Saxe Brothers took a gamble on pictures. They made old houses larger and built new ones with a view of giving the motion picture everything possible in the way of attractive investure. They called in the magic art of music to make pictures more attractive and added many things which brought a new and different attraction for the picture shows. Many times the expenditures made to try out new experiments were much greater than the returns, but the forward-looking Saxe Brothers were willing to take a chance because they believed that the ultimate success of the picture as an entertainment was far in the future. It was natural that the Saxe Brothers should become a commanding part in the management of the picture business in Wisconsin With their center in Milwaukee; they have been branching out year after year, until now the company has a part in the management and control of twenty-five theatres in Milwaukee and other parts of Wisconsin.
Theatres in Many Cities
The directory of the Saxe enterprises now includes the Strand, Rialto, Princess, Theatorium, the Miller (a vaudeville house), Modjeska, Savoy and Tivoli in Milwaukee, three houses in Waukesha, three in Oshkosh, four in Marinette, two in Kenosha, and one each in Green Bay and Wausau. The close connection of all of these theatres makes it possible for the controlling company to furnish to all the houses the best in motion picture entertainment with the minimum of cost.
Not the least of the interesting features connected with the new Orpheum Theatre is the fact that it signalizes an active interest of two pioneers of a great idea in Kenosha. John E. Saxe and Tom Saxe have done a lot to make life more liveable for the people of Wisconsin. Their connection with the new Orpheum Theatre is a guarantee of a broad policy looking forward all the time. The interest that they have shown in the development of the theatre in Kenosha is one of the happy incidents. When the Dayton boys were looking about for someone of real theatre experience, they found Tom Saxe, and they found that he had an idea that their idea of Kenosha being the real place for a real theatre was a decidedly valuable asset.
A September, 1983 Racine Journal Times article reported that in about 1912 Jack Benny [Benjamin Kubelsky] was brought to Racine to form and play in the pit orchestra of the Rex (then Racine Theatre) by Philip Dahlberg along with Cora Salisbury up from Waukegan to play with him. Together the trio supplied the musical accompaniment to the shows of the ring season. Benny played the violin. He was just 18 years of age.
Racine theater being demolished despite efforts to save it - Capitol Theater built in 1928
(Chernéy Amhara, Anchor/Reporter)
After standing tall for more than 90 years, the Capitol Theater, as it was once called, is coming down in Racine.
The city ordered the demolition despite a local group’s efforts the past two years to save it.
The theater was built in 1928 and was renamed Park in 1981.
According to the city, there was more than $100,000 in unpaid property taxes on the theater, and the city said the past owner did not keep it up to date.
The group that has been fighting to keep it open wanted to buy and restore and repair the theater.
“And it could have been back to a public venue. Les Paul played here in 1930 when he was 14 years old. It is history,” said Judith Schulz, of Friends of the Capitol Theater. “This history belongs to everybody and when people love a building this much, and the history of it, elected officials should certainly listen to their constituents.”
The demolition will continue through next week.
WISN 12 News reached out to the city for comment on the protest and demolition but has not received a response.
Demolition of the former Capitol / Park Theater on Washington Avenue in Racine began three days ago despite continuing pleas to the mayor, Cory Mason, for delays so the Friends of the Capitol Theatre could present its plans for saving it.
The daily Racine Journal-Times wrote that demolition was authorized for this month but was delayed by recent heavy snowfall.
The Friends of the Capitol Theater announced that it had raised sufficient funds to meet the theatre’s most pressing needs, but the group’s hard-fought and vocal efforts were unsuccessful in convincing city officials to delay demolition.
The Journal-Times reported that despite city leaders' repeated insistence that the building complex could collapse and injure someone or damage property with resultant litigation, the paper reported that the building was steadfast and its roof held tight during the recent onslaught.
(July 7, 1926) Cameo Theater Opens Saturday On Burke Site - Restored Saxe Theater is One of City’s Finest Picture Houses
Like a beautiful object of art chiseled by a master craftsman and set in miniature,, Kenosha’s Cameo theater will open Saturday on the site of the old Burke building. True to its name the theater has been fashioned into a compact work of beauty with beautifully blending colors and restful contours. The name, which won first prize in a recent contest directed by James E. Morrissey, manager of the Saxe-theaters in Kenosha, was suggested by Mrs. Eleanor Casey Schmitz and was chosen as particularly appropriate to the style of theater into which it has been made.
Lovely Decorating
The interior of the Burke theater which was razed by fire several months ago was almost entirely wrecked and in its place the Cameo theater was fashioned. Decorations throughout are characteristic of cameo design and the colors used are a soft shell pink blended with a dust blue. Wall panels are stippled in two shades and are framed in polychrome borders. Simplicity is dominant in drapes and mural decorations. The tiny lobby will contain a number of full length mirrors and will be hung with delicate shaded drapes on which are painted cameo medallions. Lighting effects in the theater will retain the cameo colors and blend the pink and blue into a soft laveder shade.
Is Cozy Theater
The Cameo theater seats only 400 people and is small in comparison to others of the city but its size adds to the effect of coziness and comfort aided by the most modern fixtures and conveniences. The new seats are broad and comfortable with wide aisles and ample spacing. A new ventilation system forces air through the building constantly and will maintain the reputation of the theater for its cool atmosphere in summer. To facilitate the showing of pictures a new Day-lite silver sheet has been supplied as well as the most modern of projection machines.
Picture Programs
It is planned by Mr. Morrissey to bring the cream of the year’s film offerings to the Cameo theater and there with artistic surroundings to show them to the best advantage. The program will begin on Saturday which is the official opening day of the theater. Thereafter the picture program will be changed twice a week on Sunday and Wednesday. One of the most remarkable features of the restored theater is its new $18,000 Barton organ which has been installed. Miss Edna Van Wald Tavlin will be organist. As a specialty, Orthman’s Harmony Orchestra of Janesville which played at the Burke some time ago has been engaged to furnish music for the new theater alternating with the organ.
The following is the Wisconsin State Historical Society’s file on the CAPITOL Theatre:
“3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928.
Historic Name:Capitol Theatre
Reference Number:120910
Location (Address):3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE
County:Racine
City:Racine
PROPERTY FEATURES
Year Built:1928
Survey Date:20012015
Historic Use:theater
Architectural Style:Mediterranean Revival
Structural System:Brick
Wall Material:Brick
Architect:Dick and Bauer
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 Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Resurveyed 2015.
Built in 1928 as Capitol Theater. Movie theater and vaudeville stage. Theater twinned in 1976, closed in 1986.
2016- “The Capitol Theatre is located on Washington Avenue on the far west side of the city of Racine in the neighborhood of West Racine (Figures 1 and 2). The building occupies the entire parcel on which it sits. A sidewalk parallels the north side of the property and a narrow alley runs the length of the east side of the property between it and a commercial building and parking lot. Additional parking lots are located to the west and south of the property. Residential parcels are located at the southern end of the west side of the property.
Exterior
The two-story Capitol Theatre was constructed in 1928.1 It has a rectangular footprint with an angled facade to conform to Washington Avenue (Figure 3). The building has a flat roof with a brick chimney stack. The rear portion, where the stage/screen was, is a story taller than the front of the building. The facade front Washington Avenue is divided into three sections consisting of a central pavilion housing the theater entrance flanked by a storefront bay on either side. The pavilion has a front gable roof that is capped in large tiles and is framed by wide brick pilasters. The pilasters have concrete caps. A decorative motif adorns the east pilaster. The pavilion’s second story is brick with tiled and stucco panels. A prominent window display on the pavilion’s second story consists of three one-over-one sash windows in arched openings. Each arch is framed in alternating bricks and concrete pieces, and Ionic pilasters flank the center window. Each of these windows has a relief motif set into the arch above the window opening.
The theater marquee divides the first and second story of the pavilion. The marquee angles outward over the sidewalk and has a stepped, vertical panel of lights at its center. The sides of the marquee have backlit message boards with changeable lettering. Each side is topped by a backlit sign that reads “The Park.” The theater entrance is glazed with two pairs of off-center glass doors with glass transom windows, and a plate glass display window is located to the west of the doors. The walls surrounding the entrance are clad in vertical wood siding.
The flanking storefront sections each have a shallow, tiled, shed roof within the parapet. Both sections are divided into three fenestration bays and have a single brick dentil course directly below the shed roofs. The walls are brick and have decorative brick and tile panels below the second-story windows, and concrete belt courses above the storefronts. The second-story windows are one-over-one sashes. The east section’s second-story windows are capped with lintels of alternating brick and concrete pieces. The east section’s storefront has a transom window that consists of square glass lights and spans its full width. The east two bays are glazed with plate glass display windows resting on a tiled wall. The store entrance is angled and recessed in the westernmost bay.
The west section’s second-story windows are also one-over-one sashes, but are unevenly spaced. The eastern and central bays have lintels of alternating brick and concrete that match those on the east section; however, the outer, western window is set into an arched opening with a motif that matches those in the center pavilion. The distinction between the western window bay and the other two bays is also enhanced by a small break in the belt course. The window’s arch is mirrored on the bay’s first story, which consists of an entrance recessed within an arched entryway. The arch is comprised of composite pilasters that are topped by alternating brick and concrete pieces on the outside of the arch and narrow concrete pieces on the inside. A storefront occupies the eastern two first-story bays of the west section. The easternmost bay is glazed with a large, plate glass display window resting on a tiled wall. The central bay has an angled, recessed pedestrian door. The remaining storefront wall is clad in vertical wood siding.
The east, west, and south elevations consist of brick walls with minimal fenestration. The east elevation has a stepped parapet near the center of the elevation. A pair of one-over-one sash windows is located on the second story of the north end, with a single one-over-one sash window below.To the south of the paired windows is an enclosed porch with a doorway and two plate glass windows, and is clad in horizontal siding. A window is located below that has been infilled. A single one-over-one window is located towards the south, rear portion of the east elevation, and several paired doors are located below grade along the elevation. The rear, south elevation has paired doors on the east and west ends of the first story, and a long, narrow window above a concrete block-filled portion towards the west side. The west elevation has a stepped parapet that mirrors that on the east elevation, and paired, single windows towards the north end. The approximate northern one-third of the west elevation has been covered in stucco.
Interior
The main entrance of the theater, located below the marquee in the central pavilion section, opens onto a long, narrow lobby. The floor is tiled and the ceiling is coated in plaster with a rough finish. The side walls are divided into sections by pilasters, which are topped by an entablature with ornamental plaster running the length of the lobby. Within each segment is a rectangular panel, with ornamental plaster along the edges and glass-front display units in the center, which are also surrounded by ornamental plaster and topped by hooded light fixtures. To the rear of the lobby is a small foyer with an arched ceiling and ornamental plaster along the cornice. Small restrooms are located on the east and west sides of the foyer. The projection room is located above the foyer.
The original theater auditorium is located behind the foyer. The interior of the auditorium has been heavily altered from its original configuration. In 1975 and 1976, the theater was divided into two separate screening rooms? This was accomplished by bisecting the main theater down the center, from north to south. A partition wall was installed by cutting directly through the oval, coffered, plaster ceiling. The coffered ceiling contains ornamental plasterwork along the interior margins, and decorative stenciling is located between the coffer and exterior corners of the auditorium. In addition to loss of original material, there are many holes and other damaged areas in the ceiling. Other alterations have included installing a new wall at the front of the theater for the projection screen, installing fabric panels on the walls, and installing a ventilation system and drop ceiling, which also resulted in significant damage to the plaster ceiling. Some ductwork, and the metal skeleton of the drop ceiling and several ceiling panels remain. No theater seats remain in the building.
Behind the projection screen wall is the original stage/screening area of the theater, which was not as impacted by the interior remodel. Segments of the original plaster on the walls remain, including fluted pilasters and large panels outlined in ornamental plaster that reach from the floor to the ceiling. A large pilaster on each side, with paired brackets, supports a large arch spanning the width of the theater that has ornate plasterwork. A portion of the large, coffered ceiling is visible, although it was also bisected by the projection screen wall. To the front of the coffer is an ornate ventilation grill surrounded by stenciling.
The stage is surrounded by a large, wide proscenium arch that is covered in ornamental plaster, which is painted in many places. Above and to the front of the stage is an oblong ceiling coffer. To the sides, and slightly in front of, the stage, are two opera boxes. These are also set within arches that have ornamental plaster, and above each arch is a decorative plaster wreath and garland."
Bibliographic References:“Park I and II Theater.” Accessed April 1, 2015. www. http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/7439.
RECORD LOCATION
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin
As demolition looms, Racine group holds out hope for theater
By Bret Lemoine, FOX6 News, Milwaukee
RACINE, Wis. - The wrecking ball is inching closer to a Racine theater built in 1928. Weather may have stalled demolition for now, but it’s not stopping one woman’s determination to save it.
If you’re surprised to see Racine’s Capitol-Park Theater still standing, don’t tell Judith Schulz.
“It will stand forever if no one knocks it down,” Schulz said.
Schulz continues her fight to keep the wrecking ball away. The city issued a raze order, and it was expected to be torn down this week.
“For me, my family built it. But my heart opened up to this whole thing when I started seeing how many other people care about this,” said Schulz.
In January, FOX6 News was there as Racine police kept Schulz and members of her Capitol Theater Friends group from going inside. Crews had just finished asbestos abatement and deemed the nearly 100-year-old building unsafe.
“Give this building a chance to relive its history in Racine forever,” said Joanne Haysmer-Wachs.
Schulz’s group announced in January that it had raised $40,000 in pledges to repair the building’s roof and brick walls. City officials said that wouldn’t come close to covering the $157,000 in unpaid property taxes that have accumulated over the last decade.
“The county has given us a couple of processes we can use. One is a payment plan – a monthly payment plan over five years,” said Schulz.
The city also estimates restoration costs could reach $9 million or more. Schulz, though, disputes that.
A city spokesman tells FOX6 that the crews contracted to tear it down have a total of 15 days to complete the project. Schulz envisions the space as a cultural arts center for the community.
“We submitted to the city on Feb. 5 a development plan. Yes, we should have submitted it sooner,” Schulz said.
Every day it stays untouched is another day Schulz can dream of an encore for the once majestic venue: “There’s always hope! It’s still standing.”
Schulz said her group has entered into a purchasing agreement with the building’s current owner. The 15-day demolition timeline started on Tuesday, Feb. 9 – leaving less than two weeks to be torn down.
Statement from the City of Racine:
“The City of Racine appreciates the dedication and enthusiasm of those individuals who want to preserve the Park Theatre. Unfortunately, the current owner of the building is engaged in what we call demolition by neglect. He has allowed the building to fall into terrible disrepair, has not paid taxes in many years, and is now looking to off load the property to avoid his responsibilities. While the group from West Racine has the best intentions, they have not been able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of repairs, take on the tax liability from the current owner which is necessary to acquire the property, or begun the capital campaign to raise the 9-13 million dollars to restore the building. The process the group outlined to the City includes hopes that the County will forgive the back taxes, foreclose on the property, transfer it to the City, and assumes the City would be willing to take on the liabilities owning a property in that condition. Even if this process were possible, it would require multiple votes from the County Board and City Council, and would take a significant period of time. While we understand that local residents have asked others to review the condition of the building, City elected leaders and staff must trust and rely on the 30 years of expertise that our Chief Building Inspector has in evaluating structures. He takes no pleasure in having to take down a building like this, but does not believe the structural integrity of the building will withstand harsh winds or heavy snows, let alone, the pounding and shaking of road construction set to begin adjacent to the building this spring. We hope the local residents will find other buildings which are less far gone to invest in and preserve, and that as a City, we must find ways to hold property owners responsible so that this scenario does not continue to repeat itself.”
Preservationists say they have the money to save the Capitol-Park Theater; seek meeting with city leaders
RACINE — The contract that authorized Azarian Wrecking to demolish the Capitol-Park Theater on behalf of the City of Racine went into effect on Tuesday.
On Thursday afternoon, the building was still standing, the reason for the delay unknown. The demolition authorization lasts until near the end of the month. Sam Azarian, owner of Azarian Wrecking, did not return calls Thursday.
Jonathan Eeg and Reme Bashi — members of the community trying to save the historic theater — were out in front of the building on Thursday, despite the freezing temperature.
“We’re still hopeful,” Eeg said.
The Friends of the Capitol Theater announced this week they had raised the money in pledges needed to address the city’s most pressing concerns, 1. That the building is dangerous, and 2. The city would be liable if anyone were hurt as a result.
“We can start next week,” Eeg said of the plan to secure the building.
They also submitted a 7-page development/restoration plan to the city.
They continue to seek a meeting with city leaders, namely Mayor Cory Mason.
Growing response
The group Friends of The Capitol Theater released a photo this week of the snow accumulated on the Capitol-Park’s roof, an aerial photo that showed the roof had not collapsed under the first serious snowfall of the winter.
Ken Plaski, the city’s chief building inspector, predicted the roof could collapse in the first big snowstorm. But the historic building withstood the storm, again.
Bashi said pledges and contacts continue to come in — not only from the U.S. but from other countries, as well.
Musicians especially are interested in the Capitol-Park Theater because it is where Waukesha-native Les Paul — then known as Red Hot Red — allegedly “got the bug” to be a performer and musician. Paul went on to invent the solid body electric guitar and is now enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bashi said she only recently became aware the theater was in trouble. So, she went to work contacting people and trying to get the word out.
She said there were so many uses for the old theater, including the potential for a Racine Cultural Art Center.
“It costs the city nothing to wait,” Eeg said, explaining if the group just had three months, they could demonstrate for the city that the building could be saved.
City leaders have repeatedly expressed concern that the building could collapse and injure someone or damage property. Were that to happen right now, prior to anyone else taking over the building, the city (and thus taxpayers) could be held liable.
The Alvin Theater, 1612 W Chicago, on Chicago between Ashland and Marshfield. In 1913, Alvin Alberti, son of Edward Alberti, started a small chain of theaters in Chicago. In 1914, he opened the Alvin Theater at 1612-14 W Chicago. The theater contained approximately 600 seats. In later years, it was part of the Balaban & Katz Wonder Theaters chain. Notice the movie posters. (1937)
In 1913, Alvin Alberti, son of Edward Alberti, started a small chain of theaters in Chicago. In 1914, he opened the Alvin Theatre. The theater contained approximately 600 seats. In later years, it was part of the Balaban & Katz Wonder Theaters chain.
(Dec. 7, 1968) – Accept Theater Pipe Organ for UW’s Parkside Campus –The University of Wisconsin-Parkside acquired a large and rare theater pipe organ Friday when the university board of regents accepted a gift valued at nearly $30,000 from the RKO-Stanley Warner Theaters of New York City. The instrument, a Barton Theater Pipe Organ, is valued at $26,500. A Barton Console lift and platform for the organ, valued at $3,000, is included in the gift. The organ is at the Capitol Theater in Madison, where it will remain until an auditorium for housing the huge instrument becomes available in the new building now under construction. Instrumental in obtaining the gift was Fred Hermes of Racine, chairman of the Dairyland Chapter of the American Association of Theater Organ Enthusiasts, a Parkside spokesman said. (Kenosha News)
(Jan. 30, 2021 by Bret Lemoine, FOX6 News, Milwaukee) Group seeks to stop demolition of historic Racine theater - Eleventh-hour efforts are underway in Racine to try to save the historic Capitol Theater, which later became The Park. City leaders said it’s too late, and it will be demolished in a matter of days. The latest, and possibly last, chapter for the theater plays out like a Greek tragedy.
“There has been neglect. We admit that. The building does need work,” said Judith Schulz. Schulz and members of her Capitol Theater Friends group were met by Racine police Friday morning, Jan. 29 – stopping her or anyone else from getting inside the nearly 100-year-old building. The city’s building inspector posted notices on all of the theater’s entrances, saying the building is not condemned. Schulz said supporters have made pledges to restore it, but “not enough” money has been raised thus far but there is “enough to do the roof repairs.” The $40,000 they have been able to generate so far would only dent the $157,000 in unpaid property taxes that have accumulated over the last decade. “We could fix this. We could fix this in no time,” Jonathan Eeg said. Supporters are asking for a three-month extension to the raze order. “It’s never too late,” said Schulz. “The inside, the proscenium, the stage, the orchestra pit are still there. It’s like walking into time. And now, there’s a strong possibility that time has run out. The city is telling the group that representatives from the historical society will come and photograph the building’s interior before it is torn down on Feb. 9. In a statement, listed in full below, the city acknowledged the group’s good intentions, while providing some hard truths:
“The City of Racine appreciates the dedication and enthusiasm of those individuals who want to preserve the Park Theatre. Unfortunately, the current owner of the building is engaged in what we call demolition by neglect. He has allowed the building to fall into terrible disrepair, has not paid taxes in many years, and is now looking to off load the property to avoid his responsibilities. While the group from West Racine has the best intentions, they have not been able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of repairs, take on the tax liability from the current owner which is necessary to acquire the property, or begun the capital campaign to raise the 9-13 million dollars to restore the building. The process the group outlined to the City includes hopes that the County will forgive the back taxes, foreclose on the property, transfer it to the City, and assumes the City would be willing to take on the liabilities owning a property in that condition. Even if this process were possible, it would require multiple votes from the County Board and City Council, and would take a significant period of time. While we understand that local residents have asked others to review the condition of the building, City elected leaders and staff must trust and rely on the 30 years of expertise that our Chief Building Inspector has in evaluating structures. He takes no pleasure in having to take down a building like this, but does not believe the structural integrity of the building will withstand harsh winds or heavy snows, let alone, the pounding and shaking of road construction set to begin adjacent to the building this spring. We hope the local residents will find other buildings which are less far gone to invest in and preserve, and that as a City, we must find ways to hold property owners responsible so that this scenario does not continue to repeat itself.”
February 1, 1988: Brothers plan to clean up theater’s act (by Jim Kneiszel, Burlington Bureau) WATERFORD - The first thing the Elliott brothers are going to do is change the name of the infamous Ford Theater. Ed, 23, and Jeff, 18, originally of West Bend, have taken a semester off from college to try and save the theater with a controversial history fronTlhe fate of being turned into a truck garage. The Ford Theater, 107 N. Milwaukee Ave., was known far and wide as a porno movie house until it closed in late 1985. For 12 years, church groups and residents protested the showing of X-rated films in their community. The Elliotts, who have taken a year’s lease with an option to buy the theater, are going to change the name on the marquee to “The Bijou,” or something else with a cinema ring to it, so people don’t associate the 400-seat theater with X-rated films. When the Elliots took over the theater two weeks ago, they announced under the marquee that they were going to show G, PG, and R rated films. In 1973, the Waterford Lion’s Club leased the empty Ford theater to two young brothers, Jim and Tom Younk, who began running family-oriented films alternately with X-rated movies. The Eliotts say they want residents to forget the seedy past of the Ford, and support their standard movie fare. They’re out to give high school students a place to go to keep them off the streets, and give area residents an alternative to driving to Burlington’s Plaza theater or to Milwaukee for a night at the movies. “We’ll do what we can, offer a decent place to come, but if the community doesn’t support their movie house, they’ll probably lose the theater permanently,” Ed Elliott said. He referred to recent attempts by local businessmen to buy the theater for a garage. “They got rid of their X-rated theater. Now they’ve supposedly got what they wanted and we need their help,” Ed said. The pair hope to draw from an estimated 15,000 people within a ten-mile radius of Waterford with prices that are higher than at one of Milwaukee’s budget theaters, but lower than the $3.50 offered at the Burlington theater. They intend to carry first-run films for a week at a timey, usually a couple of weeks after they’ve opened in the Milwaukee market. “We want people to know that we’re not just young and here to make a killing. We’re here for the people,” Jeff said. Jeff did admit that the brothers don’t look like they’re ready to take over a theater. “People come in here expecting someone in a suit. When they see two kids in work clothes, they don’t take us seriously,” Jeff said. Jeff is interested in filmmaking and wants to eventually enroll at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the film program. Ed, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student, wants to transfer eventually to an east coast school for business study. They plan to renovate the theater, open in about eight weeks, and give the project six or seven months to show a successful profit. In order to get a loan to buy the building, listed at $89,000, the two must show a good profit over the year-long lease, Ed said. The theater was for sale for over two years before the pair’s lease agreement with former theater operator, Jim Younk. Younk had closed the theater in 1985 when X-rated videotapes gained popularity and theater attendance dropped. The theater was a mess when the Elliotts started exploring the cement block building two weeks ago. It was musty, smelled moldy, and still contained evidence of the porno film days; every room had red light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and there were snippets of X-rated movies on reels and X-rated movie literature. A $30,000 renovation underway includes remodeling the lobby and doing a makeover inside the theater. The Elliotts are purchasing 300 new theater seats, new projection equipment, new carpeting for the aisles, a new screen capable of showing three-dimensional films, stereo sound equipment, and pleated acoustic fabric for the theater walls. If the project isn’t a success, the brothers said they could resell most of the new equipment to cut losses. They realize the movie business in Waterford is risky, but they consider this a learning experience. But for now, it’s just a lot of clean-up work for the Elliotts, who have taken up residence on the second floor during the remodeling. They will spend the next several weeks helping with the remodeling and having an artist friend paint murals of movie stars around the outside of the theater building.
Group seeks to stop demolition of historic Racine theater (Bret Lemoine, FOX6 News Milwaukee)
Eleventh-hour efforts are underway in Racine to try to save the historic Capitol Theater, which later became The Park.
City leaders said it’s too late, and it will be demolished in a matter of days. The latest, and possibly last, chapter for the theater plays out like a Greek tragedy.
“There has been neglect. We admit that. The building does need work,” said Judith Schulz. Schulz and members of her Capitol Theater Friends group were met by Racine police Friday morning, Jan. 29 – stopping her or anyone else from getting inside the nearly 100-year-old building.
The city’s building inspector posted notices on all of the theater’s entrances, saying the building is not condemned.
Schulz said supporters have made pledges to restore it, but “not enough” money has been raised thus far but there is “enough to do the roof repairs.”
The Capitol Theater, renamed The Park, in Racine
The $40,000 they have been able to generate so far would only dent the $157,000 in unpaid property taxes that have accumulated over the last decade.
“We could fix this. We could fix this in no time,” Jonathan Eeg said.
Supporters are asking for a three-month extension to the raze order. “It’s never too late,” said Schulz. “The inside, the proscenium, the stage, the orchestra pit are still there. It’s like walking into time.
And now, there’s a strong possibility that time has run out.
The city is telling the group that representatives from the historical society will come and photograph the building’s interior before it is torn down on Feb. 9.
In a statement, listed in full below, the city acknowledged the group’s good intentions, while providing some hard truths:
“The City of Racine appreciates the dedication and enthusiasm of those individuals who want to preserve the Park Theatre. Unfortunately, the current owner of the building is engaged in what we call demolition by neglect. He has allowed the building to fall into terrible disrepair, has not paid taxes in many years, and is now looking to off load the property to avoid his responsibilities. While the group from West Racine has the best intentions, they have not been able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of repairs, take on the tax liability from the current owner which is necessary to acquire the property, or begun the capital campaign to raise the 9-13 million dollars to restore the building. The process the group outlined to the City includes hopes that the County will forgive the back taxes, foreclose on the property, transfer it to the City, and assumes the City would be willing to take on the liabilities owning a property in that condition. Even if this process were possible, it would require multiple votes from the County Board and City Council, and would take a significant period of time. While we understand that local residents have asked others to review the condition of the building, City elected leaders and staff must trust and rely on the 30 years of expertise that our Chief Building Inspector has in evaluating structures. He takes no pleasure in having to take down a building like this, but does not believe the structural integrity of the building will withstand harsh winds or heavy snows, let alone, the pounding and shaking of road construction set to begin adjacent to the building this spring. We hope the local residents will find other buildings which are less far gone to invest in and preserve, and that as a City, we must find ways to hold property owners responsible so that this scenario does not continue to repeat itself.”
THEATRE DEAL IS NOW CLOSED — Virginian Theatre Leased by Collins Theatrical Enterprises — EXPLAINS NEW PLANS — Virginian to Continue to Be the Home of Vaudeville and Also Super Film Attractions —
The merger of the management of the Virginian and Burke Theatres was completed on Friday evening when a lease for the Virginian Theatre was secured by the Collins Theatrical Enterprise as anticipated in the unofficial announcement made on Friday. The lease was sealed, signed and delivered on Friday afternoon just after four-thirty, and the new management is to take control of the theatre on the first of February. The lease provides an option for the purchase of the property should this be desired at a later date. For the present, Manager Fred Dayton will remain in charge of the theatre until the new management becomes acquainted with the operation of the theatre.
— Reflects Success of Past —
The expansion of the theatre holdings of the Collins Theatrical Enterprise reflects the success which they have achieved in the management of the Burke Theatre on Market Square. The members of the company are Mrs. Lillian K. Collins, who in the near future will take personal charge of the Virginian; Charles Collins and Marvin B. Kincaid, all three of whom will be associated in the management of the two theatres.. It is planned to continue the Virginian theatre as the home of high class vaudeville in Kenosha. As in the past, vaudeville will be staged there on the last three days of the week and on Sunday with an entire new bill for each Sunday program. The merger of the theatre with the Burke will also make it possible to supplement these shows with high class film attractions whenever this is advisable.
— Daytons Explain Future Plans —
Edward and Fred Dayton, who for the past eleven months have been successful in the management of the Virginian Theatre, have sold out their interest to the Virginian Theatre Company, which organization leased the property to the new holder. The Dayton brothers plan to devote their time to their growing insurance business, the extent of which made it necessary for them to withdraw from the theatrical management for the present. They have recently expanded their insurance business to such an extent that it requires the greater part of their time. The Virginian is also to be open each and every day as the new management plans to bring feature super-films here for the Monday Tuesday and Wednesday performances. The film contracts held by the Collins Theatrical Enterprise will enable them to present some of the latest and most attractive releases at this theatre. E. Z. Jones, Jr., who for the past six months has been in charge of the publicity for the Burke Theatre, will be placed in charge of the publicity work for the two show houses
— Has Interesting History —
The merger of the two theatres is an interesting chapter in the history of the Collins Theatrical Enterprise The company started several years ago when Mrs. Lillian K. Collins took over the ownership and control of the Burke Theatre. At that time Mr. Collins was a salesman for the J. P. Smith and company, large importers pf New York and Chicago, but in a few months the business of the Burke Theatre grew to such large dimensions that he resigned his position to aid in the management of it. The many friends of the Burke grew to such large numbers that they could not be accommodated at the one theatre and the Orpheum Theatre.
Azarian keeps contract for demolition of The Park, illegal padlocking of doors was a ‘misunderstanding’ - (Dee Hölzel Jan 21, 2021, Journal Times)
RACINE — Azarian Wrecking will retain the contract to demolish The Park-Capitol Theater, 3017 Washington Ave. The Public Works and Services Committee recommended on Jan. 12 to award the contract to the second-lowest bidder, Veit & Co., rather than the lowest bidder, Racine-based Azarian Wrecking, which had bid $199,777 for the project.
Concerns were raised about Azarian Wrecking after a company representative put padlocks on the doors to The Park, thus locking out the building’s owner.
Owner Sam Azarian said the city failed to communicate the antiques in the building would not be part of the salvage. However, Azarian’s low bid was made with his understanding he would be able to offset the low bid by selling the antiques in the building.
Apple was in the process of removing his belongings from the building when the doors were padlocked. Azarian said he could see through the windows that items were disappearing. Initially unaware that it was Apple removing the property, and concerned about protecting his bid, Azarian padlocked the doors.
City Building Inspector Ken Plaski cut the padlocks off personally when he learned what was going on.
Alderman Jeffrey Peterson, who made the motion to keep the contract with Azarian Wrecking, said the situation was a “misunderstanding” that should not cost Azarian Wrecking the contract.
Additionally, if the contract were awarded to New Berlin-based Veit & Company, that would cost the city more than $25,000 more than the contract with Azarian.
Aldermen voting in favor of the motion to keep the contract with Azarian were Peterson, Maurice Horton, John Tate II, Edwin Santiago, Jason Meekma, Jennifer Levie, Marcus West, Mary Land, Melissa Lemke and Sam Peete.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158922372623620&id=742633619
This is a petition to delay demolition in order to allow the Save The Capitol Theatre group more time to effect preservation.
November 13, 2020:
Review of conditions at the Capitol Theater, Racine, Wisconsin.
This brief report has been developed based on the conditions observed on November 6, 2020 without any consideration to the social and cultural importance of the theater to the Racine community, and what it represents as a valuable historical asset. For instance, we have recently been made aware that Les Paul performed on this stage at the age of 14 in the 1930s. We believe that the story of the place should also be fully explored and documented. The meaning of the effort and the building’s connection to the community can be amplified exponentially, but only if the building is fully restored and the effects of decades of neglect are reversed.
Our review included a physical survey of the conditions onsite and a comprehensive visual review of the conditions of areas with minimal access utilizing a drone. We have over 30 years of experience in evaluating buildings for conditions that make them unsafe for the public. Our experience also includes the evaluation of stabilization and restoration needs for buildings in distress, and the determination of the potential costs required to complete the required work.
The goal of our recent review was to determine the overall soundness of the subject building to a reasonable degree of professional certainty. We must reiterate that the work completed to date must be followed up with a full and extensive review. The cost for this work must be included in any budgeting prepared for the full restoration of the theater.
Despite the obvious, egregious neglect of the structure over the past 10 or more years, the building does not appear to be in a state of imminent collapse. To be clear, substantial work must be completed without further deferral to avoid the continued deterioration of the building’s structural components. The building envelope has been breached for some time and water has been entering the building in several locations. The nature of the construction is, in our experience, more than able to withstand the leakage that has occurred. There has been obvious and substantial damage to interior finishes, but a significant amount of the original, historic and remarkable finishes remain intact. The structural elements of the building enclosure while stressed, are showing only minor to moderate deterioration to a level that is relatively easy to stabilize, not particularly difficult, to fully restore and very restorable. We have been involved with buildings that have been in much worse condition that have been successfully repurposed with new uses. The most significant of which is the Garver Mill project in Madison, Wisconsin. Details of the project are available online.
We do not believe that the structure is in danger of catastrophic failure. Nor is it likely to reach that point within the next 1 to 3 years even with a continuance of the neglect that has caused so much damage over the course of the recent past. Apart from significant events, or “acts of God”, such as fire or extraordinary high winds the building appears to be able to withstand the elements in the near-term equally when compared to other buildings in the neighborhood as well as Racine as a whole.
Assessing the building’s immediate needs we have determined a recommended scope of work to be completed during the reconstruction/restoration’s first phase (1 to 3 years) to include emergency work at the building’s roofs in the amount of $15,000. The full cost of roofing replacement, to be completed as soon as funds are available (but in no more than 10 years) is approximately $250,000. Similarly, the cost of all emergency repairs to several structural anomalies, the stucco on the building’s west side, the parapets, and other masonry issues is approximately $88,000. The full restoration of the building’s exterior which should also be completed as soon as funds are available (but in no more than 10 years) is $475,000. None of these estimates address the needs identified previously in discussions regarding the full restoration of the theater to a functioning condition. As stated previously, the work to complete a full historic restoration of the theater is in the order of magnitude of $10 to $15 million.
Budgetary figures were developed with contractor/partners each of whom have completed more than 10 projects, in their primary trades, in the Racine region with ICA.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Best regards,
InSite Consulting Architects
Stephen E. Mar-Pohl, A
(Racine Journal Times, Jan.19 2021) An inside look: The Park doesn’t appear to be in imminent danger of collapsing as city debates demolition.
RACINE — Two structural engineers examined The Park theater on Thursday, each independent of the other, and concluded the historic theater is in no imminent danger of collapse.
The Park, originally known as The Capitol Theater, has been under a raze order for more than two years after the city’s building inspector determined it was a threat to the safety of the community.
The engineers were Jeanne Denney of Racine — who worked as a structural engineer for 15 years before leaving to pursue other endeavors, according to her website — and John Gotter of Milwaukee.
According to Judith Schultz, of the Friends of the Capitol Theater, the two engineers welcome members of the Racine City Council to call with any questions they may have.
Schulz said both reported while the building needs work, it isn’t in danger of collapse. She added her hope the findings of the engineers would convince the City Council to put a pause on the process and give the community time to act.
The groups working to save the building say they are in the process of obtaining insurance. If they do acquire that, the City of Racine would no longer bear the fiscal responsibility if something were to happen to the building or someone were to be hurt by it — such as if part of the roof falls off and injures someone or damages property, at which point the city could be liable. “We’re not asking (the City Council) to stop and walk away,” Schulz said while pleading for more time. “We understand that if we can’t raise the money they will raze it.”
Architect’s report
The theater has now been examined by two engineers and an architect specializing in historic restoration, Stephen E. Mar-Pohl of InSite Consulting Architects; all three agreed the building is not in danger of imminent collapse.
Here is an excerpt from the report by InSite Consulting/Stephen E. Mar-Pohl on The Capitol-Park Theater.
InSite Consulting has been to the site three times and has flown a drone over the top to examine the roof.
Mar-Pohl has 30 years of experience that includes evaluating the structural integrity of buildings; identifying factors that make buildings unstable, stabilization, restoration; and determining potential costs.
The report prepared by Mar-Pohl indicates while the roof of the building has allowed water to enter the structure, the construction of the building was such it was able to withstand the impact of the water.
Mar-Pohl’s report indicated the structural elements while stressed were “showing only minor to moderate deterioration to a level that is relatively easy to stabilize, not particularly difficult to fully restore, and are very restorable.”
Although the estimated cost of a full restoration is $10 million to $15 million, the cost of emergency repairs is much less, the report said.
The Mar-Pohl report estimates the roof would need $15,000 in repairs within the next 1 to 3 years and a new roof within the next 10 years at a cost of about $250,000. The exterior would need about $88,000 in immediate repairs to the stucco on the west side, the parapets and the masonry.
Outside of extraordinary events, Mar-Pohl concluded, the building was in no danger of catastrophic failure within the next three years.
Mar-Pohl indicated InSite has been involved in the restoration of buildings in much worse condition that have been given a second life, such as the Garver Mill project in Madison.
When it was constructed in 1928, the building was known as the Capitol Theater. When it was remodeled into a movie theater, it was renamed The Park.
That reconstruction involved building, in 1976, what is functionally a second, smaller structure for showing movies within the larger brick structure.
The movie structure consists of false walls and a dropped ceiling. Schulz noted, during a tour of the building with a Journal Times reporter, that the internal structure is what is falling down and that the full structure isn’t collapsing.
There is no electricity inside The Park, so she shined a large flashlight over the dropped ceiling to show a metal framework where the ceiling tiles, which have now fallen to the floor, used to reside.
“I’ve seen in the newspaper (that) the building inspector said there’s more holes in the ceiling than ceiling,” Schulz said. “That’s what he’s talking about (the false ceiling) and it gives you the wrong impression because it isn’t the structural ceiling, it’s that false ceiling, and it has to go anyway.”
She explained during the process of restoring the theater, this second structure would likely be removed.
The tour was conducted by Schulz and Pippin Michelli, two preservation/history enthusiasts, with permission from the building’s owner, John Apple.
The preservation activists have begun to refer to it as the Capitol-Park Theater.
Due to the false wall that was built to hold the movie screens, the part of the building that housed the proscenium stage where plays were performed has been sealed off for 45 years.
A hole has been cut in that wall that allows visitors to step through and see the 1928 portion of the building.
“We’ve just stepped back in time,” Schulz said stepping through. “I had no idea this existed until last year.”
Painted plaster within the dilapidated and potentially doomed former Capitol Theater are one of the unique features of the historic building that later became The Park movie theater.
The proscenium that frames the stage is entirely intact, the curtains are believed to be the originals from 1928, and even the colored bulbs used to set the mood for vaudeville shows and silent movies remain.
Michelli, who described herself as an architectural historian, pointed to plasterwork on the proscenium arch, explaining that the painted plasterwork is one of the features that make the theater special.
There are similar types of plasterwork in European buildings, she said, but the decorative features are never painted.
Paul Zens, who also is involved in the effort to save the historic theater, noted that the fly infrastructure remains, which is usually not the case with historic theaters. The fly infrastructure supported the theatrical rigging system that allowed scenery, curtains, and sometimes objects to be raised and lowered.
The realities
Along with the special architectural features are other realities of historical preservation. Schulz recalled someone saying the building needed to be cleaned up. “He is right,” she said with a laugh.
The birds that have been living in the theater loft have left a mess. The city’s building inspector noted in a report that “accumulation of feces in the basement level resulting (in) related odors emanating from the building at the sidewalk.”
But, Schulz attested, “that is no reason to tear down a building.” While there is a mess, the mess can be cleaned up and the history preserved, according to Schulz.
Michelli claimed that the interior of the Horlick Malted Milk campus was described as being in much worse condition than the theater, but the Horlick is getting a second life thanks to $100 million of planned investment. That level of investment, or anything close to it, has been lacking for The Park.
Other communities, too, have pulled together and saved their old theaters. Just across the Illinois border in Waukegan, for example, $23 million was spent to restore the historic Genesee Theater, which opened one year before The Capitol.
Azarian Wrecking could lose the contract to raze The Park, formerly The Capitol Theater, over allegations of misconduct after Sam Azarian padlocked the doors to the theater before the demolition bid had technically been awarded.The padlocks essentially locked out the building’s owner, John Apple.
Sam Azarian, however, maintains the city’s bid documents were flawed and its representatives did not communicate with him.
The Public Works and Services Committee voted 3-1 on Tuesday to recommend the City Council award the contract to Veit & Company, located in New Berlin, who was the next lowest bidder after Azarian. Alderman Mary Land voted against the motion without comment. Alderman Henry Perez was excused from the meeting.
— Allegations of misconduct —
The city issued a raze order on The Park, 3017 Washington Ave., due to concerns its deteriorated condition represented a health and safety risk to the public.
Apple said he was in the process of removing his property from the building when he suddenly found himself locked out around Dec. 16.
Apple was unable to access the building because someone — at that time he did not know who — had attached a large hasp to the door and padlocked it.
Ken Plaski, the city’s chief building inspector, said when he learned of the situation, he personally cut the locks off the doors.
However, Apple was locked out of the condemned building he owns, filled with his property, for three weeks.
A report has been filed with the Racine Police Department over the incident due to the alleged vandalism caused to the door and for allegedly trespassing on the property.
— A claimed misunderstanding — Azarian Wrecking was the lowest bidder on the demolition contract at $199,777.00.
In an interview, Sam Azarian explained he intended the low bid to be offset by his ability to salvage what was inside the building and sell it. Normally, 100% of the salvage would go to the wreckers.
Apple had long used the building for storing antiques he has collected, which could be seen from the sidewalk.
Azarian said the city’s paperwork associated with the bid did not advise applicants that they would not be able to salvage the building’s contents, nor was he informed of the fact verbally.
Usually, bidders are notified if items associated with the building were not going to be available for salvage. For example, if a company was going to raze a church, they would be notified in advance if the stained glass was not going to be left in the building.
The items stored in the building were considerations that went into the bid, according to Azarian. “The bidders should have been made aware that none of that was included,” he said.
Azarian said he had been keeping an eye on the building and noticed items inside were disappearing.
He decided to put padlocks on the doors because, he claimed, he did not know it was Apple who was removing his property.
“I wanted to protect my bid,” he said.
However, when he checked back, those padlocks were cut and more items were taken.
“We put new padlocks on there, so they would not take any more,” Azarian said.
Azarian claims he advised Monica Santos, from the city’s finance/purchasing office, that property was disappearing from the building. He alleges Santos said she would advise Plaski, the building inspector, but Azarian did not hear back from any city representative.
He said he did not understand why no one called him and told him to remove the padlocks; however, as was noted at the meeting, the city said it didn’t know who was putting the locks on the doors.
Azarian expressed consternation that the city might spend close to $30,000 more on the contract than was necessary over what he thinks was a misunderstanding.
Members of the committee expressed two primary concerns at Tuesday’s meeting.
The first was that Azarian padlocked the doors before the company was actually awarded the demolition — barring the legal owner from his property.
The second concern was the consequence of not using Azarian and going with the next lowest bidder, Veit & Company, which would represent nearly $30,000 in increased spending.
Alderman Jennifer Levie called the extra spending “fiscally irresponsible.”
Levie made a motion to recommend that Azarian be awarded the contract, which failed when both Aldermen Edwin Santiago and Mollie Jones voted against it.
Both were troubled by Azarian putting padlocks on the door before the company had actually been awarded the contract for the job, and questioned whether he could still be considered a responsible bidder.
— How contracts are awarded —
State law does require municipalities to award public contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, with some exceptions.
John Rooney, commissioner of public works, explained that it was usually staff who determined who the responsible bidders were based on information companies submitted in their bid documents.
For example, if a company did not submit a bid bond with their documents, they could be disqualified from the process on the grounds they were not responsible contractors.
Scott Letteney, city attorney, echoed this comment, noting the city has been doing business with the Azarian company for 30 years and nothing in their bid documents caused the staff to be concerned about their responsibility.
As for the padlocked doors, Letteney said, “We all wished they hadn’t done that, but it may have come from a misunderstanding.”
The real issue, Letteney continued, was whether the company could complete the project responsibly.
If the committee opted not to go with the lowest bidder, there would have to be a finding that Azarian could not complete the job responsibly.
Jones noted that as long as Azarian has been in business, he certainly knew when he had been awarded a contract and was in a position to put locks on doors. Santiago agreed.
He expressed concern that Azarian may have broken the law by putting the padlocks on the door, which would have called into question whether he was a responsible contractor. Santiago made the motion that the committee recommend the next highest bidder, which passed. However, the motion would still need final approval from the City Council. — Annother option —
The matter will go before the City Council for full consideration on Jan. 19.
The Council has several options before them. They could vote to accept the recommendation of the Public Works & Services Committee, or they could keep the project with Azarian.
However, there is a third option. The City Council could vote against funding the demolition.
Alderman Land specifically asked what their options were and was told by the city staff the raze order would stand no matter what — largely suggesting she had no options. However, the raze order was not an issue that was before the committee. The funding of the raze order was before the committee, and the aldermen retain the right to deny funding for a project they have reservations about. As such, the raze order could still stand, but without funding it would be moot.
Several aldermen have expressed reservations about the demolition of the old building.
As was noted by Jones, there is a large difference of opinion between Plaski and a private architect with 30 years of experience in historic preservation who inspected the building.
Plaski has stated there are portions of the building in imminent danger of collapsing. The architect has stated the building is in no danger of an imminent collapse. Regardless, without a change to the situation, if there is a collapse or the building’s dilapidation leads to injury, the city could be liable since it had assessed the building as being dangerous and did not act.
The Council also has the option to deny funding for the contract until such a time as they have more information.
January 2, 1926: McVickers Robbery Seen As Inside Job (AP) — Executives of McVickers theatre were scrutinizing rogues gallery files today while police were seeking former employees of the theatre after the treasurer was held up last night and robbed of $1,000. A robber familiar with the theatre’s floor plan and routine sequestered the treasurer, his wife and another employe and forced them to deliver up the contents of the safe. The police are convinced that intimate knowledge of the layout of the building was necessary to smooth execution of the robbery.
(March 13, 1922 - Kenosha Evening News) - The Story of Saxe Brothers Who Caught Gleam of Big Idea — Pioneers of the Movies ______
The Saxe brothers John and Tom have been something like patron saints to the moving picture industry in Wisconsin and their management has branched out into other states. They were among the first men of the nation to realize the value of the moving picture as an educational institution. They saw the great possibilities of it to the lover of the cleanest and best in amusements at the minimum price. They saw early the important place that the motion picture was destined to play in modern life and they decided to have a part in the important development.
It was Tom Saxe who first predicted that motion pictures would become entertainment de luxe with productions so elaborate that managers would be justified in asking admission prices on a par with those of the legitimate houses.
Started Fifteen Years Ago
It Was five years before the “Divine Sarah” Bernhardt gave motion pictures real standing by joining the movies that John Saxe, now president of the Saxe Amusement company, and Tom Saxe, secretary of the company, began to dabble in pictures. They set up an old “Hale’s Touring Car” on Grand avenue in Milwaukee as the start of their business. Thousands of people recall this old car when people looked through the windows at pictures which flashed past. It’s a long step from the old touring car to the pictures of today but the Saxe boys were right at the head of the procession in every advancement.
The old car got too small. The world was moving faster, and Saxe Brothers moved with the world. They bought the old Orpheum Theatre in Milwaukee and converted it over to pictures. It was a real success, and then the Saxe boys began to branch out. They secured the Lyric theatre, the Princess, the Crystal and the Alhambra, which they made one of the biggest houses in the nation given over to the new and favorite form of entertainment.
Took a Gamble at “Pictures”
The Saxe Brothers took a gamble on pictures. They made old houses larger and built new ones with a view of giving the motion picture everything possible in the way of attractive investure. They called in the magic art of music to make pictures more attractive and added many things which brought a new and different attraction for the picture shows. Many times the expenditures made to try out new experiments were much greater than the returns, but the forward-looking Saxe Brothers were willing to take a chance because they believed that the ultimate success of the picture as an entertainment was far in the future. It was natural that the Saxe Brothers should become a commanding part in the management of the picture business in Wisconsin With their center in Milwaukee; they have been branching out year after year, until now the company has a part in the management and control of twenty-five theatres in Milwaukee and other parts of Wisconsin.
Theatres in Many Cities
The directory of the Saxe enterprises now includes the Strand, Rialto, Princess, Theatorium, the Miller (a vaudeville house), Modjeska, Savoy and Tivoli in Milwaukee, three houses in Waukesha, three in Oshkosh, four in Marinette, two in Kenosha, and one each in Green Bay and Wausau. The close connection of all of these theatres makes it possible for the controlling company to furnish to all the houses the best in motion picture entertainment with the minimum of cost.
Not the least of the interesting features connected with the new Orpheum Theatre is the fact that it signalizes an active interest of two pioneers of a great idea in Kenosha. John E. Saxe and Tom Saxe have done a lot to make life more liveable for the people of Wisconsin. Their connection with the new Orpheum Theatre is a guarantee of a broad policy looking forward all the time. The interest that they have shown in the development of the theatre in Kenosha is one of the happy incidents. When the Dayton boys were looking about for someone of real theatre experience, they found Tom Saxe, and they found that he had an idea that their idea of Kenosha being the real place for a real theatre was a decidedly valuable asset.
A September, 1983 Racine Journal Times article reported that in about 1912 Jack Benny [Benjamin Kubelsky] was brought to Racine to form and play in the pit orchestra of the Rex (then Racine Theatre) by Philip Dahlberg along with Cora Salisbury up from Waukegan to play with him. Together the trio supplied the musical accompaniment to the shows of the ring season. Benny played the violin. He was just 18 years of age.
The battle is lost. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1783568838634123/permalink/2998274050496923/
There was a Theatre Historical Society tour through the MARSHALL SQUARE in about 1984 as it still operated as a cinema.
Racine theater being demolished despite efforts to save it - Capitol Theater built in 1928 (Chernéy Amhara, Anchor/Reporter) After standing tall for more than 90 years, the Capitol Theater, as it was once called, is coming down in Racine.
The city ordered the demolition despite a local group’s efforts the past two years to save it.
The theater was built in 1928 and was renamed Park in 1981.
According to the city, there was more than $100,000 in unpaid property taxes on the theater, and the city said the past owner did not keep it up to date.
The group that has been fighting to keep it open wanted to buy and restore and repair the theater.
“And it could have been back to a public venue. Les Paul played here in 1930 when he was 14 years old. It is history,” said Judith Schulz, of Friends of the Capitol Theater. “This history belongs to everybody and when people love a building this much, and the history of it, elected officials should certainly listen to their constituents.”
The demolition will continue through next week.
WISN 12 News reached out to the city for comment on the protest and demolition but has not received a response.
©2021, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WISN-TV
Demolition of the former Capitol / Park Theater on Washington Avenue in Racine began three days ago despite continuing pleas to the mayor, Cory Mason, for delays so the Friends of the Capitol Theatre could present its plans for saving it.
The daily Racine Journal-Times wrote that demolition was authorized for this month but was delayed by recent heavy snowfall.
The Friends of the Capitol Theater announced that it had raised sufficient funds to meet the theatre’s most pressing needs, but the group’s hard-fought and vocal efforts were unsuccessful in convincing city officials to delay demolition.
The Journal-Times reported that despite city leaders' repeated insistence that the building complex could collapse and injure someone or damage property with resultant litigation, the paper reported that the building was steadfast and its roof held tight during the recent onslaught.
(July 7, 1926) Cameo Theater Opens Saturday On Burke Site - Restored Saxe Theater is One of City’s Finest Picture Houses Like a beautiful object of art chiseled by a master craftsman and set in miniature,, Kenosha’s Cameo theater will open Saturday on the site of the old Burke building. True to its name the theater has been fashioned into a compact work of beauty with beautifully blending colors and restful contours. The name, which won first prize in a recent contest directed by James E. Morrissey, manager of the Saxe-theaters in Kenosha, was suggested by Mrs. Eleanor Casey Schmitz and was chosen as particularly appropriate to the style of theater into which it has been made.
Lovely Decorating
The interior of the Burke theater which was razed by fire several months ago was almost entirely wrecked and in its place the Cameo theater was fashioned. Decorations throughout are characteristic of cameo design and the colors used are a soft shell pink blended with a dust blue. Wall panels are stippled in two shades and are framed in polychrome borders. Simplicity is dominant in drapes and mural decorations. The tiny lobby will contain a number of full length mirrors and will be hung with delicate shaded drapes on which are painted cameo medallions. Lighting effects in the theater will retain the cameo colors and blend the pink and blue into a soft laveder shade.
Is Cozy Theater
The Cameo theater seats only 400 people and is small in comparison to others of the city but its size adds to the effect of coziness and comfort aided by the most modern fixtures and conveniences. The new seats are broad and comfortable with wide aisles and ample spacing. A new ventilation system forces air through the building constantly and will maintain the reputation of the theater for its cool atmosphere in summer. To facilitate the showing of pictures a new Day-lite silver sheet has been supplied as well as the most modern of projection machines.
Picture Programs
It is planned by Mr. Morrissey to bring the cream of the year’s film offerings to the Cameo theater and there with artistic surroundings to show them to the best advantage. The program will begin on Saturday which is the official opening day of the theater. Thereafter the picture program will be changed twice a week on Sunday and Wednesday. One of the most remarkable features of the restored theater is its new $18,000 Barton organ which has been installed. Miss Edna Van Wald Tavlin will be organist. As a specialty, Orthman’s Harmony Orchestra of Janesville which played at the Burke some time ago has been engaged to furnish music for the new theater alternating with the organ.
The following is the Wisconsin State Historical Society’s file on the CAPITOL Theatre:
“3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. 3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE, a Mediterranean Revival theater, built in Racine, Wisconsin in 1928. Historic Name:Capitol Theatre Reference Number:120910 Location (Address):3015-3021 WASHINGTON AVE County:Racine City:Racine PROPERTY FEATURES Year Built:1928 Survey Date:20012015 Historic Use:theater Architectural Style:Mediterranean Revival Structural System:Brick Wall Material:Brick Architect:Dick and Bauer 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 Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Resurveyed 2015.
Built in 1928 as Capitol Theater. Movie theater and vaudeville stage. Theater twinned in 1976, closed in 1986.
2016- “The Capitol Theatre is located on Washington Avenue on the far west side of the city of Racine in the neighborhood of West Racine (Figures 1 and 2). The building occupies the entire parcel on which it sits. A sidewalk parallels the north side of the property and a narrow alley runs the length of the east side of the property between it and a commercial building and parking lot. Additional parking lots are located to the west and south of the property. Residential parcels are located at the southern end of the west side of the property.
Exterior The two-story Capitol Theatre was constructed in 1928.1 It has a rectangular footprint with an angled facade to conform to Washington Avenue (Figure 3). The building has a flat roof with a brick chimney stack. The rear portion, where the stage/screen was, is a story taller than the front of the building. The facade front Washington Avenue is divided into three sections consisting of a central pavilion housing the theater entrance flanked by a storefront bay on either side. The pavilion has a front gable roof that is capped in large tiles and is framed by wide brick pilasters. The pilasters have concrete caps. A decorative motif adorns the east pilaster. The pavilion’s second story is brick with tiled and stucco panels. A prominent window display on the pavilion’s second story consists of three one-over-one sash windows in arched openings. Each arch is framed in alternating bricks and concrete pieces, and Ionic pilasters flank the center window. Each of these windows has a relief motif set into the arch above the window opening.
The theater marquee divides the first and second story of the pavilion. The marquee angles outward over the sidewalk and has a stepped, vertical panel of lights at its center. The sides of the marquee have backlit message boards with changeable lettering. Each side is topped by a backlit sign that reads “The Park.” The theater entrance is glazed with two pairs of off-center glass doors with glass transom windows, and a plate glass display window is located to the west of the doors. The walls surrounding the entrance are clad in vertical wood siding.
The flanking storefront sections each have a shallow, tiled, shed roof within the parapet. Both sections are divided into three fenestration bays and have a single brick dentil course directly below the shed roofs. The walls are brick and have decorative brick and tile panels below the second-story windows, and concrete belt courses above the storefronts. The second-story windows are one-over-one sashes. The east section’s second-story windows are capped with lintels of alternating brick and concrete pieces. The east section’s storefront has a transom window that consists of square glass lights and spans its full width. The east two bays are glazed with plate glass display windows resting on a tiled wall. The store entrance is angled and recessed in the westernmost bay.
The west section’s second-story windows are also one-over-one sashes, but are unevenly spaced. The eastern and central bays have lintels of alternating brick and concrete that match those on the east section; however, the outer, western window is set into an arched opening with a motif that matches those in the center pavilion. The distinction between the western window bay and the other two bays is also enhanced by a small break in the belt course. The window’s arch is mirrored on the bay’s first story, which consists of an entrance recessed within an arched entryway. The arch is comprised of composite pilasters that are topped by alternating brick and concrete pieces on the outside of the arch and narrow concrete pieces on the inside. A storefront occupies the eastern two first-story bays of the west section. The easternmost bay is glazed with a large, plate glass display window resting on a tiled wall. The central bay has an angled, recessed pedestrian door. The remaining storefront wall is clad in vertical wood siding.
The east, west, and south elevations consist of brick walls with minimal fenestration. The east elevation has a stepped parapet near the center of the elevation. A pair of one-over-one sash windows is located on the second story of the north end, with a single one-over-one sash window below.To the south of the paired windows is an enclosed porch with a doorway and two plate glass windows, and is clad in horizontal siding. A window is located below that has been infilled. A single one-over-one window is located towards the south, rear portion of the east elevation, and several paired doors are located below grade along the elevation. The rear, south elevation has paired doors on the east and west ends of the first story, and a long, narrow window above a concrete block-filled portion towards the west side. The west elevation has a stepped parapet that mirrors that on the east elevation, and paired, single windows towards the north end. The approximate northern one-third of the west elevation has been covered in stucco.
Interior The main entrance of the theater, located below the marquee in the central pavilion section, opens onto a long, narrow lobby. The floor is tiled and the ceiling is coated in plaster with a rough finish. The side walls are divided into sections by pilasters, which are topped by an entablature with ornamental plaster running the length of the lobby. Within each segment is a rectangular panel, with ornamental plaster along the edges and glass-front display units in the center, which are also surrounded by ornamental plaster and topped by hooded light fixtures. To the rear of the lobby is a small foyer with an arched ceiling and ornamental plaster along the cornice. Small restrooms are located on the east and west sides of the foyer. The projection room is located above the foyer.
The original theater auditorium is located behind the foyer. The interior of the auditorium has been heavily altered from its original configuration. In 1975 and 1976, the theater was divided into two separate screening rooms? This was accomplished by bisecting the main theater down the center, from north to south. A partition wall was installed by cutting directly through the oval, coffered, plaster ceiling. The coffered ceiling contains ornamental plasterwork along the interior margins, and decorative stenciling is located between the coffer and exterior corners of the auditorium. In addition to loss of original material, there are many holes and other damaged areas in the ceiling. Other alterations have included installing a new wall at the front of the theater for the projection screen, installing fabric panels on the walls, and installing a ventilation system and drop ceiling, which also resulted in significant damage to the plaster ceiling. Some ductwork, and the metal skeleton of the drop ceiling and several ceiling panels remain. No theater seats remain in the building.
Behind the projection screen wall is the original stage/screening area of the theater, which was not as impacted by the interior remodel. Segments of the original plaster on the walls remain, including fluted pilasters and large panels outlined in ornamental plaster that reach from the floor to the ceiling. A large pilaster on each side, with paired brackets, supports a large arch spanning the width of the theater that has ornate plasterwork. A portion of the large, coffered ceiling is visible, although it was also bisected by the projection screen wall. To the front of the coffer is an ornate ventilation grill surrounded by stenciling.
The stage is surrounded by a large, wide proscenium arch that is covered in ornamental plaster, which is painted in many places. Above and to the front of the stage is an oblong ceiling coffer. To the sides, and slightly in front of, the stage, are two opera boxes. These are also set within arches that have ornamental plaster, and above each arch is a decorative plaster wreath and garland."
Bibliographic References:“Park I and II Theater.” Accessed April 1, 2015. www. http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/7439. RECORD LOCATION Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin
As demolition looms, Racine group holds out hope for theater By Bret Lemoine, FOX6 News, Milwaukee RACINE, Wis. - The wrecking ball is inching closer to a Racine theater built in 1928. Weather may have stalled demolition for now, but it’s not stopping one woman’s determination to save it.
If you’re surprised to see Racine’s Capitol-Park Theater still standing, don’t tell Judith Schulz.
“It will stand forever if no one knocks it down,” Schulz said.
Schulz continues her fight to keep the wrecking ball away. The city issued a raze order, and it was expected to be torn down this week.
“For me, my family built it. But my heart opened up to this whole thing when I started seeing how many other people care about this,” said Schulz.
In January, FOX6 News was there as Racine police kept Schulz and members of her Capitol Theater Friends group from going inside. Crews had just finished asbestos abatement and deemed the nearly 100-year-old building unsafe.
“Give this building a chance to relive its history in Racine forever,” said Joanne Haysmer-Wachs.
Schulz’s group announced in January that it had raised $40,000 in pledges to repair the building’s roof and brick walls. City officials said that wouldn’t come close to covering the $157,000 in unpaid property taxes that have accumulated over the last decade.
“The county has given us a couple of processes we can use. One is a payment plan – a monthly payment plan over five years,” said Schulz.
The city also estimates restoration costs could reach $9 million or more. Schulz, though, disputes that.
A city spokesman tells FOX6 that the crews contracted to tear it down have a total of 15 days to complete the project. Schulz envisions the space as a cultural arts center for the community.
“We submitted to the city on Feb. 5 a development plan. Yes, we should have submitted it sooner,” Schulz said.
Every day it stays untouched is another day Schulz can dream of an encore for the once majestic venue: “There’s always hope! It’s still standing.”
Schulz said her group has entered into a purchasing agreement with the building’s current owner. The 15-day demolition timeline started on Tuesday, Feb. 9 – leaving less than two weeks to be torn down.
Statement from the City of Racine:
“The City of Racine appreciates the dedication and enthusiasm of those individuals who want to preserve the Park Theatre. Unfortunately, the current owner of the building is engaged in what we call demolition by neglect. He has allowed the building to fall into terrible disrepair, has not paid taxes in many years, and is now looking to off load the property to avoid his responsibilities. While the group from West Racine has the best intentions, they have not been able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of repairs, take on the tax liability from the current owner which is necessary to acquire the property, or begun the capital campaign to raise the 9-13 million dollars to restore the building. The process the group outlined to the City includes hopes that the County will forgive the back taxes, foreclose on the property, transfer it to the City, and assumes the City would be willing to take on the liabilities owning a property in that condition. Even if this process were possible, it would require multiple votes from the County Board and City Council, and would take a significant period of time. While we understand that local residents have asked others to review the condition of the building, City elected leaders and staff must trust and rely on the 30 years of expertise that our Chief Building Inspector has in evaluating structures. He takes no pleasure in having to take down a building like this, but does not believe the structural integrity of the building will withstand harsh winds or heavy snows, let alone, the pounding and shaking of road construction set to begin adjacent to the building this spring. We hope the local residents will find other buildings which are less far gone to invest in and preserve, and that as a City, we must find ways to hold property owners responsible so that this scenario does not continue to repeat itself.”
Preservationists say they have the money to save the Capitol-Park Theater; seek meeting with city leaders
RACINE — The contract that authorized Azarian Wrecking to demolish the Capitol-Park Theater on behalf of the City of Racine went into effect on Tuesday. On Thursday afternoon, the building was still standing, the reason for the delay unknown. The demolition authorization lasts until near the end of the month. Sam Azarian, owner of Azarian Wrecking, did not return calls Thursday. Jonathan Eeg and Reme Bashi — members of the community trying to save the historic theater — were out in front of the building on Thursday, despite the freezing temperature.
“We’re still hopeful,” Eeg said.
The Friends of the Capitol Theater announced this week they had raised the money in pledges needed to address the city’s most pressing concerns, 1. That the building is dangerous, and 2. The city would be liable if anyone were hurt as a result.
“We can start next week,” Eeg said of the plan to secure the building.
They also submitted a 7-page development/restoration plan to the city.
They continue to seek a meeting with city leaders, namely Mayor Cory Mason.
Growing response
The group Friends of The Capitol Theater released a photo this week of the snow accumulated on the Capitol-Park’s roof, an aerial photo that showed the roof had not collapsed under the first serious snowfall of the winter.
Ken Plaski, the city’s chief building inspector, predicted the roof could collapse in the first big snowstorm. But the historic building withstood the storm, again.
Bashi said pledges and contacts continue to come in — not only from the U.S. but from other countries, as well.
Musicians especially are interested in the Capitol-Park Theater because it is where Waukesha-native Les Paul — then known as Red Hot Red — allegedly “got the bug” to be a performer and musician. Paul went on to invent the solid body electric guitar and is now enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bashi said she only recently became aware the theater was in trouble. So, she went to work contacting people and trying to get the word out.
She said there were so many uses for the old theater, including the potential for a Racine Cultural Art Center.
“It costs the city nothing to wait,” Eeg said, explaining if the group just had three months, they could demonstrate for the city that the building could be saved.
City leaders have repeatedly expressed concern that the building could collapse and injure someone or damage property. Were that to happen right now, prior to anyone else taking over the building, the city (and thus taxpayers) could be held liable.
https://cyinterview.com/judith-schulz-fellow-concerned-citizens-working-to-save-landmark-theater-in-racine-wisconsin-unclear-why-city-set-on-demolishing-it/?fbclid=IwAR0nNU7gp_sX4QbwOwfu-P1lcXQhCVCZ1hGQVx99MXDjGt3EEGTwzmove8M
https://www.wpr.org/listen/1757036 Wisconsin Public Radio report.
The Alvin Theater, 1612 W Chicago, on Chicago between Ashland and Marshfield. In 1913, Alvin Alberti, son of Edward Alberti, started a small chain of theaters in Chicago. In 1914, he opened the Alvin Theater at 1612-14 W Chicago. The theater contained approximately 600 seats. In later years, it was part of the Balaban & Katz Wonder Theaters chain. Notice the movie posters. (1937)
In 1913, Alvin Alberti, son of Edward Alberti, started a small chain of theaters in Chicago. In 1914, he opened the Alvin Theatre. The theater contained approximately 600 seats. In later years, it was part of the Balaban & Katz Wonder Theaters chain.
(Dec. 7, 1968) – Accept Theater Pipe Organ for UW’s Parkside Campus –The University of Wisconsin-Parkside acquired a large and rare theater pipe organ Friday when the university board of regents accepted a gift valued at nearly $30,000 from the RKO-Stanley Warner Theaters of New York City. The instrument, a Barton Theater Pipe Organ, is valued at $26,500. A Barton Console lift and platform for the organ, valued at $3,000, is included in the gift. The organ is at the Capitol Theater in Madison, where it will remain until an auditorium for housing the huge instrument becomes available in the new building now under construction. Instrumental in obtaining the gift was Fred Hermes of Racine, chairman of the Dairyland Chapter of the American Association of Theater Organ Enthusiasts, a Parkside spokesman said. (Kenosha News)
(Jan. 30, 2021 by Bret Lemoine, FOX6 News, Milwaukee) Group seeks to stop demolition of historic Racine theater - Eleventh-hour efforts are underway in Racine to try to save the historic Capitol Theater, which later became The Park. City leaders said it’s too late, and it will be demolished in a matter of days. The latest, and possibly last, chapter for the theater plays out like a Greek tragedy. “There has been neglect. We admit that. The building does need work,” said Judith Schulz. Schulz and members of her Capitol Theater Friends group were met by Racine police Friday morning, Jan. 29 – stopping her or anyone else from getting inside the nearly 100-year-old building. The city’s building inspector posted notices on all of the theater’s entrances, saying the building is not condemned. Schulz said supporters have made pledges to restore it, but “not enough” money has been raised thus far but there is “enough to do the roof repairs.” The $40,000 they have been able to generate so far would only dent the $157,000 in unpaid property taxes that have accumulated over the last decade. “We could fix this. We could fix this in no time,” Jonathan Eeg said. Supporters are asking for a three-month extension to the raze order. “It’s never too late,” said Schulz. “The inside, the proscenium, the stage, the orchestra pit are still there. It’s like walking into time. And now, there’s a strong possibility that time has run out. The city is telling the group that representatives from the historical society will come and photograph the building’s interior before it is torn down on Feb. 9. In a statement, listed in full below, the city acknowledged the group’s good intentions, while providing some hard truths:
“The City of Racine appreciates the dedication and enthusiasm of those individuals who want to preserve the Park Theatre. Unfortunately, the current owner of the building is engaged in what we call demolition by neglect. He has allowed the building to fall into terrible disrepair, has not paid taxes in many years, and is now looking to off load the property to avoid his responsibilities. While the group from West Racine has the best intentions, they have not been able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of repairs, take on the tax liability from the current owner which is necessary to acquire the property, or begun the capital campaign to raise the 9-13 million dollars to restore the building. The process the group outlined to the City includes hopes that the County will forgive the back taxes, foreclose on the property, transfer it to the City, and assumes the City would be willing to take on the liabilities owning a property in that condition. Even if this process were possible, it would require multiple votes from the County Board and City Council, and would take a significant period of time. While we understand that local residents have asked others to review the condition of the building, City elected leaders and staff must trust and rely on the 30 years of expertise that our Chief Building Inspector has in evaluating structures. He takes no pleasure in having to take down a building like this, but does not believe the structural integrity of the building will withstand harsh winds or heavy snows, let alone, the pounding and shaking of road construction set to begin adjacent to the building this spring. We hope the local residents will find other buildings which are less far gone to invest in and preserve, and that as a City, we must find ways to hold property owners responsible so that this scenario does not continue to repeat itself.”
February 1, 1988: Brothers plan to clean up theater’s act (by Jim Kneiszel, Burlington Bureau) WATERFORD - The first thing the Elliott brothers are going to do is change the name of the infamous Ford Theater. Ed, 23, and Jeff, 18, originally of West Bend, have taken a semester off from college to try and save the theater with a controversial history fronTlhe fate of being turned into a truck garage. The Ford Theater, 107 N. Milwaukee Ave., was known far and wide as a porno movie house until it closed in late 1985. For 12 years, church groups and residents protested the showing of X-rated films in their community. The Elliotts, who have taken a year’s lease with an option to buy the theater, are going to change the name on the marquee to “The Bijou,” or something else with a cinema ring to it, so people don’t associate the 400-seat theater with X-rated films. When the Elliots took over the theater two weeks ago, they announced under the marquee that they were going to show G, PG, and R rated films. In 1973, the Waterford Lion’s Club leased the empty Ford theater to two young brothers, Jim and Tom Younk, who began running family-oriented films alternately with X-rated movies. The Eliotts say they want residents to forget the seedy past of the Ford, and support their standard movie fare. They’re out to give high school students a place to go to keep them off the streets, and give area residents an alternative to driving to Burlington’s Plaza theater or to Milwaukee for a night at the movies. “We’ll do what we can, offer a decent place to come, but if the community doesn’t support their movie house, they’ll probably lose the theater permanently,” Ed Elliott said. He referred to recent attempts by local businessmen to buy the theater for a garage. “They got rid of their X-rated theater. Now they’ve supposedly got what they wanted and we need their help,” Ed said. The pair hope to draw from an estimated 15,000 people within a ten-mile radius of Waterford with prices that are higher than at one of Milwaukee’s budget theaters, but lower than the $3.50 offered at the Burlington theater. They intend to carry first-run films for a week at a timey, usually a couple of weeks after they’ve opened in the Milwaukee market. “We want people to know that we’re not just young and here to make a killing. We’re here for the people,” Jeff said. Jeff did admit that the brothers don’t look like they’re ready to take over a theater. “People come in here expecting someone in a suit. When they see two kids in work clothes, they don’t take us seriously,” Jeff said. Jeff is interested in filmmaking and wants to eventually enroll at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the film program. Ed, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student, wants to transfer eventually to an east coast school for business study. They plan to renovate the theater, open in about eight weeks, and give the project six or seven months to show a successful profit. In order to get a loan to buy the building, listed at $89,000, the two must show a good profit over the year-long lease, Ed said. The theater was for sale for over two years before the pair’s lease agreement with former theater operator, Jim Younk. Younk had closed the theater in 1985 when X-rated videotapes gained popularity and theater attendance dropped. The theater was a mess when the Elliotts started exploring the cement block building two weeks ago. It was musty, smelled moldy, and still contained evidence of the porno film days; every room had red light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and there were snippets of X-rated movies on reels and X-rated movie literature. A $30,000 renovation underway includes remodeling the lobby and doing a makeover inside the theater. The Elliotts are purchasing 300 new theater seats, new projection equipment, new carpeting for the aisles, a new screen capable of showing three-dimensional films, stereo sound equipment, and pleated acoustic fabric for the theater walls. If the project isn’t a success, the brothers said they could resell most of the new equipment to cut losses. They realize the movie business in Waterford is risky, but they consider this a learning experience. But for now, it’s just a lot of clean-up work for the Elliotts, who have taken up residence on the second floor during the remodeling. They will spend the next several weeks helping with the remodeling and having an artist friend paint murals of movie stars around the outside of the theater building.
Group seeks to stop demolition of historic Racine theater (Bret Lemoine, FOX6 News Milwaukee)
Eleventh-hour efforts are underway in Racine to try to save the historic Capitol Theater, which later became The Park.
City leaders said it’s too late, and it will be demolished in a matter of days. The latest, and possibly last, chapter for the theater plays out like a Greek tragedy. “There has been neglect. We admit that. The building does need work,” said Judith Schulz. Schulz and members of her Capitol Theater Friends group were met by Racine police Friday morning, Jan. 29 – stopping her or anyone else from getting inside the nearly 100-year-old building. The city’s building inspector posted notices on all of the theater’s entrances, saying the building is not condemned. Schulz said supporters have made pledges to restore it, but “not enough” money has been raised thus far but there is “enough to do the roof repairs.” The Capitol Theater, renamed The Park, in Racine The $40,000 they have been able to generate so far would only dent the $157,000 in unpaid property taxes that have accumulated over the last decade. “We could fix this. We could fix this in no time,” Jonathan Eeg said. Supporters are asking for a three-month extension to the raze order. “It’s never too late,” said Schulz. “The inside, the proscenium, the stage, the orchestra pit are still there. It’s like walking into time. And now, there’s a strong possibility that time has run out. The city is telling the group that representatives from the historical society will come and photograph the building’s interior before it is torn down on Feb. 9. In a statement, listed in full below, the city acknowledged the group’s good intentions, while providing some hard truths:
“The City of Racine appreciates the dedication and enthusiasm of those individuals who want to preserve the Park Theatre. Unfortunately, the current owner of the building is engaged in what we call demolition by neglect. He has allowed the building to fall into terrible disrepair, has not paid taxes in many years, and is now looking to off load the property to avoid his responsibilities. While the group from West Racine has the best intentions, they have not been able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of repairs, take on the tax liability from the current owner which is necessary to acquire the property, or begun the capital campaign to raise the 9-13 million dollars to restore the building. The process the group outlined to the City includes hopes that the County will forgive the back taxes, foreclose on the property, transfer it to the City, and assumes the City would be willing to take on the liabilities owning a property in that condition. Even if this process were possible, it would require multiple votes from the County Board and City Council, and would take a significant period of time. While we understand that local residents have asked others to review the condition of the building, City elected leaders and staff must trust and rely on the 30 years of expertise that our Chief Building Inspector has in evaluating structures. He takes no pleasure in having to take down a building like this, but does not believe the structural integrity of the building will withstand harsh winds or heavy snows, let alone, the pounding and shaking of road construction set to begin adjacent to the building this spring. We hope the local residents will find other buildings which are less far gone to invest in and preserve, and that as a City, we must find ways to hold property owners responsible so that this scenario does not continue to repeat itself.”
THEATRE DEAL IS NOW CLOSED — Virginian Theatre Leased by Collins Theatrical Enterprises — EXPLAINS NEW PLANS — Virginian to Continue to Be the Home of Vaudeville and Also Super Film Attractions — The merger of the management of the Virginian and Burke Theatres was completed on Friday evening when a lease for the Virginian Theatre was secured by the Collins Theatrical Enterprise as anticipated in the unofficial announcement made on Friday. The lease was sealed, signed and delivered on Friday afternoon just after four-thirty, and the new management is to take control of the theatre on the first of February. The lease provides an option for the purchase of the property should this be desired at a later date. For the present, Manager Fred Dayton will remain in charge of the theatre until the new management becomes acquainted with the operation of the theatre. — Reflects Success of Past — The expansion of the theatre holdings of the Collins Theatrical Enterprise reflects the success which they have achieved in the management of the Burke Theatre on Market Square. The members of the company are Mrs. Lillian K. Collins, who in the near future will take personal charge of the Virginian; Charles Collins and Marvin B. Kincaid, all three of whom will be associated in the management of the two theatres.. It is planned to continue the Virginian theatre as the home of high class vaudeville in Kenosha. As in the past, vaudeville will be staged there on the last three days of the week and on Sunday with an entire new bill for each Sunday program. The merger of the theatre with the Burke will also make it possible to supplement these shows with high class film attractions whenever this is advisable. — Daytons Explain Future Plans — Edward and Fred Dayton, who for the past eleven months have been successful in the management of the Virginian Theatre, have sold out their interest to the Virginian Theatre Company, which organization leased the property to the new holder. The Dayton brothers plan to devote their time to their growing insurance business, the extent of which made it necessary for them to withdraw from the theatrical management for the present. They have recently expanded their insurance business to such an extent that it requires the greater part of their time. The Virginian is also to be open each and every day as the new management plans to bring feature super-films here for the Monday Tuesday and Wednesday performances. The film contracts held by the Collins Theatrical Enterprise will enable them to present some of the latest and most attractive releases at this theatre. E. Z. Jones, Jr., who for the past six months has been in charge of the publicity for the Burke Theatre, will be placed in charge of the publicity work for the two show houses — Has Interesting History — The merger of the two theatres is an interesting chapter in the history of the Collins Theatrical Enterprise The company started several years ago when Mrs. Lillian K. Collins took over the ownership and control of the Burke Theatre. At that time Mr. Collins was a salesman for the J. P. Smith and company, large importers pf New York and Chicago, but in a few months the business of the Burke Theatre grew to such large dimensions that he resigned his position to aid in the management of it. The many friends of the Burke grew to such large numbers that they could not be accommodated at the one theatre and the Orpheum Theatre.
(Kenosha News, 29 Jan 1921, Sat • Page 1)
Azarian keeps contract for demolition of The Park, illegal padlocking of doors was a ‘misunderstanding’ - (Dee Hölzel Jan 21, 2021, Journal Times) RACINE — Azarian Wrecking will retain the contract to demolish The Park-Capitol Theater, 3017 Washington Ave. The Public Works and Services Committee recommended on Jan. 12 to award the contract to the second-lowest bidder, Veit & Co., rather than the lowest bidder, Racine-based Azarian Wrecking, which had bid $199,777 for the project. Concerns were raised about Azarian Wrecking after a company representative put padlocks on the doors to The Park, thus locking out the building’s owner. Owner Sam Azarian said the city failed to communicate the antiques in the building would not be part of the salvage. However, Azarian’s low bid was made with his understanding he would be able to offset the low bid by selling the antiques in the building. Apple was in the process of removing his belongings from the building when the doors were padlocked. Azarian said he could see through the windows that items were disappearing. Initially unaware that it was Apple removing the property, and concerned about protecting his bid, Azarian padlocked the doors. City Building Inspector Ken Plaski cut the padlocks off personally when he learned what was going on. Alderman Jeffrey Peterson, who made the motion to keep the contract with Azarian Wrecking, said the situation was a “misunderstanding” that should not cost Azarian Wrecking the contract. Additionally, if the contract were awarded to New Berlin-based Veit & Company, that would cost the city more than $25,000 more than the contract with Azarian. Aldermen voting in favor of the motion to keep the contract with Azarian were Peterson, Maurice Horton, John Tate II, Edwin Santiago, Jason Meekma, Jennifer Levie, Marcus West, Mary Land, Melissa Lemke and Sam Peete.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158922372623620&id=742633619 This is a petition to delay demolition in order to allow the Save The Capitol Theatre group more time to effect preservation.
November 13, 2020: Review of conditions at the Capitol Theater, Racine, Wisconsin. This brief report has been developed based on the conditions observed on November 6, 2020 without any consideration to the social and cultural importance of the theater to the Racine community, and what it represents as a valuable historical asset. For instance, we have recently been made aware that Les Paul performed on this stage at the age of 14 in the 1930s. We believe that the story of the place should also be fully explored and documented. The meaning of the effort and the building’s connection to the community can be amplified exponentially, but only if the building is fully restored and the effects of decades of neglect are reversed. Our review included a physical survey of the conditions onsite and a comprehensive visual review of the conditions of areas with minimal access utilizing a drone. We have over 30 years of experience in evaluating buildings for conditions that make them unsafe for the public. Our experience also includes the evaluation of stabilization and restoration needs for buildings in distress, and the determination of the potential costs required to complete the required work. The goal of our recent review was to determine the overall soundness of the subject building to a reasonable degree of professional certainty. We must reiterate that the work completed to date must be followed up with a full and extensive review. The cost for this work must be included in any budgeting prepared for the full restoration of the theater. Despite the obvious, egregious neglect of the structure over the past 10 or more years, the building does not appear to be in a state of imminent collapse. To be clear, substantial work must be completed without further deferral to avoid the continued deterioration of the building’s structural components. The building envelope has been breached for some time and water has been entering the building in several locations. The nature of the construction is, in our experience, more than able to withstand the leakage that has occurred. There has been obvious and substantial damage to interior finishes, but a significant amount of the original, historic and remarkable finishes remain intact. The structural elements of the building enclosure while stressed, are showing only minor to moderate deterioration to a level that is relatively easy to stabilize, not particularly difficult, to fully restore and very restorable. We have been involved with buildings that have been in much worse condition that have been successfully repurposed with new uses. The most significant of which is the Garver Mill project in Madison, Wisconsin. Details of the project are available online. We do not believe that the structure is in danger of catastrophic failure. Nor is it likely to reach that point within the next 1 to 3 years even with a continuance of the neglect that has caused so much damage over the course of the recent past. Apart from significant events, or “acts of God”, such as fire or extraordinary high winds the building appears to be able to withstand the elements in the near-term equally when compared to other buildings in the neighborhood as well as Racine as a whole. Assessing the building’s immediate needs we have determined a recommended scope of work to be completed during the reconstruction/restoration’s first phase (1 to 3 years) to include emergency work at the building’s roofs in the amount of $15,000. The full cost of roofing replacement, to be completed as soon as funds are available (but in no more than 10 years) is approximately $250,000. Similarly, the cost of all emergency repairs to several structural anomalies, the stucco on the building’s west side, the parapets, and other masonry issues is approximately $88,000. The full restoration of the building’s exterior which should also be completed as soon as funds are available (but in no more than 10 years) is $475,000. None of these estimates address the needs identified previously in discussions regarding the full restoration of the theater to a functioning condition. As stated previously, the work to complete a full historic restoration of the theater is in the order of magnitude of $10 to $15 million. Budgetary figures were developed with contractor/partners each of whom have completed more than 10 projects, in their primary trades, in the Racine region with ICA. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Best regards, InSite Consulting Architects Stephen E. Mar-Pohl, A
(Racine Journal Times, Jan.19 2021) An inside look: The Park doesn’t appear to be in imminent danger of collapsing as city debates demolition.
RACINE — Two structural engineers examined The Park theater on Thursday, each independent of the other, and concluded the historic theater is in no imminent danger of collapse.
The Park, originally known as The Capitol Theater, has been under a raze order for more than two years after the city’s building inspector determined it was a threat to the safety of the community.
The engineers were Jeanne Denney of Racine — who worked as a structural engineer for 15 years before leaving to pursue other endeavors, according to her website — and John Gotter of Milwaukee.
According to Judith Schultz, of the Friends of the Capitol Theater, the two engineers welcome members of the Racine City Council to call with any questions they may have.
Schulz said both reported while the building needs work, it isn’t in danger of collapse. She added her hope the findings of the engineers would convince the City Council to put a pause on the process and give the community time to act.
The groups working to save the building say they are in the process of obtaining insurance. If they do acquire that, the City of Racine would no longer bear the fiscal responsibility if something were to happen to the building or someone were to be hurt by it — such as if part of the roof falls off and injures someone or damages property, at which point the city could be liable. “We’re not asking (the City Council) to stop and walk away,” Schulz said while pleading for more time. “We understand that if we can’t raise the money they will raze it.”
Architect’s report The theater has now been examined by two engineers and an architect specializing in historic restoration, Stephen E. Mar-Pohl of InSite Consulting Architects; all three agreed the building is not in danger of imminent collapse.
Here is an excerpt from the report by InSite Consulting/Stephen E. Mar-Pohl on The Capitol-Park Theater. InSite Consulting has been to the site three times and has flown a drone over the top to examine the roof.
Mar-Pohl has 30 years of experience that includes evaluating the structural integrity of buildings; identifying factors that make buildings unstable, stabilization, restoration; and determining potential costs.
The report prepared by Mar-Pohl indicates while the roof of the building has allowed water to enter the structure, the construction of the building was such it was able to withstand the impact of the water.
Mar-Pohl’s report indicated the structural elements while stressed were “showing only minor to moderate deterioration to a level that is relatively easy to stabilize, not particularly difficult to fully restore, and are very restorable.”
Although the estimated cost of a full restoration is $10 million to $15 million, the cost of emergency repairs is much less, the report said.
The Mar-Pohl report estimates the roof would need $15,000 in repairs within the next 1 to 3 years and a new roof within the next 10 years at a cost of about $250,000. The exterior would need about $88,000 in immediate repairs to the stucco on the west side, the parapets and the masonry.
Outside of extraordinary events, Mar-Pohl concluded, the building was in no danger of catastrophic failure within the next three years.
Mar-Pohl indicated InSite has been involved in the restoration of buildings in much worse condition that have been given a second life, such as the Garver Mill project in Madison.
When it was constructed in 1928, the building was known as the Capitol Theater. When it was remodeled into a movie theater, it was renamed The Park.
That reconstruction involved building, in 1976, what is functionally a second, smaller structure for showing movies within the larger brick structure.
The movie structure consists of false walls and a dropped ceiling. Schulz noted, during a tour of the building with a Journal Times reporter, that the internal structure is what is falling down and that the full structure isn’t collapsing.
There is no electricity inside The Park, so she shined a large flashlight over the dropped ceiling to show a metal framework where the ceiling tiles, which have now fallen to the floor, used to reside.
“I’ve seen in the newspaper (that) the building inspector said there’s more holes in the ceiling than ceiling,” Schulz said. “That’s what he’s talking about (the false ceiling) and it gives you the wrong impression because it isn’t the structural ceiling, it’s that false ceiling, and it has to go anyway.”
She explained during the process of restoring the theater, this second structure would likely be removed.
The tour was conducted by Schulz and Pippin Michelli, two preservation/history enthusiasts, with permission from the building’s owner, John Apple.
The preservation activists have begun to refer to it as the Capitol-Park Theater.
Due to the false wall that was built to hold the movie screens, the part of the building that housed the proscenium stage where plays were performed has been sealed off for 45 years.
A hole has been cut in that wall that allows visitors to step through and see the 1928 portion of the building.
“We’ve just stepped back in time,” Schulz said stepping through. “I had no idea this existed until last year.”
Painted plaster within the dilapidated and potentially doomed former Capitol Theater are one of the unique features of the historic building that later became The Park movie theater.
The proscenium that frames the stage is entirely intact, the curtains are believed to be the originals from 1928, and even the colored bulbs used to set the mood for vaudeville shows and silent movies remain.
Michelli, who described herself as an architectural historian, pointed to plasterwork on the proscenium arch, explaining that the painted plasterwork is one of the features that make the theater special.
There are similar types of plasterwork in European buildings, she said, but the decorative features are never painted.
Paul Zens, who also is involved in the effort to save the historic theater, noted that the fly infrastructure remains, which is usually not the case with historic theaters. The fly infrastructure supported the theatrical rigging system that allowed scenery, curtains, and sometimes objects to be raised and lowered.
The realities Along with the special architectural features are other realities of historical preservation. Schulz recalled someone saying the building needed to be cleaned up. “He is right,” she said with a laugh.
The birds that have been living in the theater loft have left a mess. The city’s building inspector noted in a report that “accumulation of feces in the basement level resulting (in) related odors emanating from the building at the sidewalk.”
But, Schulz attested, “that is no reason to tear down a building.” While there is a mess, the mess can be cleaned up and the history preserved, according to Schulz.
Michelli claimed that the interior of the Horlick Malted Milk campus was described as being in much worse condition than the theater, but the Horlick is getting a second life thanks to $100 million of planned investment. That level of investment, or anything close to it, has been lacking for The Park.
Other communities, too, have pulled together and saved their old theaters. Just across the Illinois border in Waukegan, for example, $23 million was spent to restore the historic Genesee Theater, which opened one year before The Capitol.
Azarian Wrecking could lose the contract to raze The Park, formerly The Capitol Theater, over allegations of misconduct after Sam Azarian padlocked the doors to the theater before the demolition bid had technically been awarded.The padlocks essentially locked out the building’s owner, John Apple. Sam Azarian, however, maintains the city’s bid documents were flawed and its representatives did not communicate with him.
The Public Works and Services Committee voted 3-1 on Tuesday to recommend the City Council award the contract to Veit & Company, located in New Berlin, who was the next lowest bidder after Azarian. Alderman Mary Land voted against the motion without comment. Alderman Henry Perez was excused from the meeting.
— Allegations of misconduct — The city issued a raze order on The Park, 3017 Washington Ave., due to concerns its deteriorated condition represented a health and safety risk to the public.
Apple said he was in the process of removing his property from the building when he suddenly found himself locked out around Dec. 16.
Apple was unable to access the building because someone — at that time he did not know who — had attached a large hasp to the door and padlocked it.
Ken Plaski, the city’s chief building inspector, said when he learned of the situation, he personally cut the locks off the doors.
However, Apple was locked out of the condemned building he owns, filled with his property, for three weeks.
A report has been filed with the Racine Police Department over the incident due to the alleged vandalism caused to the door and for allegedly trespassing on the property.
— A claimed misunderstanding —
Azarian Wrecking was the lowest bidder on the demolition contract at $199,777.00.
In an interview, Sam Azarian explained he intended the low bid to be offset by his ability to salvage what was inside the building and sell it. Normally, 100% of the salvage would go to the wreckers.
Apple had long used the building for storing antiques he has collected, which could be seen from the sidewalk.
Azarian said the city’s paperwork associated with the bid did not advise applicants that they would not be able to salvage the building’s contents, nor was he informed of the fact verbally.
Usually, bidders are notified if items associated with the building were not going to be available for salvage. For example, if a company was going to raze a church, they would be notified in advance if the stained glass was not going to be left in the building.
The items stored in the building were considerations that went into the bid, according to Azarian. “The bidders should have been made aware that none of that was included,” he said.
Azarian said he had been keeping an eye on the building and noticed items inside were disappearing.
He decided to put padlocks on the doors because, he claimed, he did not know it was Apple who was removing his property.
“I wanted to protect my bid,” he said.
However, when he checked back, those padlocks were cut and more items were taken.
“We put new padlocks on there, so they would not take any more,” Azarian said.
Azarian claims he advised Monica Santos, from the city’s finance/purchasing office, that property was disappearing from the building. He alleges Santos said she would advise Plaski, the building inspector, but Azarian did not hear back from any city representative.
He said he did not understand why no one called him and told him to remove the padlocks; however, as was noted at the meeting, the city said it didn’t know who was putting the locks on the doors.
Azarian expressed consternation that the city might spend close to $30,000 more on the contract than was necessary over what he thinks was a misunderstanding. Members of the committee expressed two primary concerns at Tuesday’s meeting.
The first was that Azarian padlocked the doors before the company was actually awarded the demolition — barring the legal owner from his property.
The second concern was the consequence of not using Azarian and going with the next lowest bidder, Veit & Company, which would represent nearly $30,000 in increased spending.
Alderman Jennifer Levie called the extra spending “fiscally irresponsible.”
Levie made a motion to recommend that Azarian be awarded the contract, which failed when both Aldermen Edwin Santiago and Mollie Jones voted against it.
Both were troubled by Azarian putting padlocks on the door before the company had actually been awarded the contract for the job, and questioned whether he could still be considered a responsible bidder.
— How contracts are awarded — State law does require municipalities to award public contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, with some exceptions.
John Rooney, commissioner of public works, explained that it was usually staff who determined who the responsible bidders were based on information companies submitted in their bid documents.
For example, if a company did not submit a bid bond with their documents, they could be disqualified from the process on the grounds they were not responsible contractors.
Scott Letteney, city attorney, echoed this comment, noting the city has been doing business with the Azarian company for 30 years and nothing in their bid documents caused the staff to be concerned about their responsibility.
As for the padlocked doors, Letteney said, “We all wished they hadn’t done that, but it may have come from a misunderstanding.”
The real issue, Letteney continued, was whether the company could complete the project responsibly.
If the committee opted not to go with the lowest bidder, there would have to be a finding that Azarian could not complete the job responsibly.
Jones noted that as long as Azarian has been in business, he certainly knew when he had been awarded a contract and was in a position to put locks on doors. Santiago agreed.
He expressed concern that Azarian may have broken the law by putting the padlocks on the door, which would have called into question whether he was a responsible contractor. Santiago made the motion that the committee recommend the next highest bidder, which passed. However, the motion would still need final approval from the City Council. — Annother option — The matter will go before the City Council for full consideration on Jan. 19.
The Council has several options before them. They could vote to accept the recommendation of the Public Works & Services Committee, or they could keep the project with Azarian.
However, there is a third option. The City Council could vote against funding the demolition.
Alderman Land specifically asked what their options were and was told by the city staff the raze order would stand no matter what — largely suggesting she had no options. However, the raze order was not an issue that was before the committee. The funding of the raze order was before the committee, and the aldermen retain the right to deny funding for a project they have reservations about. As such, the raze order could still stand, but without funding it would be moot.
Several aldermen have expressed reservations about the demolition of the old building.
As was noted by Jones, there is a large difference of opinion between Plaski and a private architect with 30 years of experience in historic preservation who inspected the building.
Plaski has stated there are portions of the building in imminent danger of collapsing. The architect has stated the building is in no danger of an imminent collapse. Regardless, without a change to the situation, if there is a collapse or the building’s dilapidation leads to injury, the city could be liable since it had assessed the building as being dangerous and did not act.
The Council also has the option to deny funding for the contract until such a time as they have more information.
DEE HÖLZEL