Downer Theatre
| File:Downer Theatre.jpg Downer Theatre Exterior | |
| Address | 2589 North Downer Avenue Milwaukee United States |
|---|---|
| Operator | Landmark Theatres |
| Capacity | 440 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1915 |
| Rebuilt | 1990 |
| Architect | Martin S. Tullgren |
| Website | |
| https://www.landmarktheatres.com/our-locations/x04op-landmark-downer-theatre/ | |
The Downer Theatre is a historic cinema in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, operated by Landmark Theatres. Opened in 1915, it is the oldest continually operating cinema in the city of Milwaukee.[1] It is located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of the East Side of Milwaukee. The cinema became part of the Landmark Theatre chain in 1990, and was renovated and converted to a twin-screen venue.[1]
History
The Downer Theatre was opened in 1915 as part of a mixed-use complex located on Downer Avenue in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Milwaukee developed by Oscar and Marc Brachman and movie entrepreneurs Thomas and John Saxe for a price of $65,000.[2] The cinema opened during a time of rapid development in the area. The cinema was one of several dozen operating in the city of Milwaukee during the heyday of the cinema industry. The cinema was remodeled in 1937 in a Streamline Moderne style. [3] The current marquee and green enamel plate exterior replaced the historic brick façade during the 1930s era renovation.[4] In the 1940s as consumption patterns and neighborhood demographics began to change, the Downer began to transition into the niche role as Milwaukee’s independent and art cinema under the leadership of long-time manager Estelle Steinbach.[5][6]The cinema was renovated and subdivided into a two-screen operation in 1990.
Design
The cinema was designed by Martin S. Tullgren and cost $65,000 to construct.[7] Its bright green and red neon marquee is a local Milwaukee landmark. The two screens have capacity for 440 patrons. The cinema has a small snack bar that serves candy, popcorn and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The cinema is located inside a mixed-use two-story red brick structure located in the Downer Avenue Business Improvement District. Other tenants of the building include residential apartments, a bar, book store and pizzeria.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Downer Theatre in Milwaukee, WI - Cinema Treasures". cinematreasures.org. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
- ↑ "Mandatory Milwaukee: Downer Theatre is a no-frills "neighborhood theater" at its finest". March 11, 2020.
- ↑ "Downer Theatre in Milwaukee, WI - Cinema Treasures".
- ↑ "History of Downer Theatre | Murray Hill Neighborhood Association".
- ↑ "History of Downer Theatre | Murray Hill Neighborhood Association".
- ↑ "Urban spelunking: Downer Theatre turns 100". December 3, 2015.
- ↑ "History of Downer Theatre | Murray Hill Neighborhood Association". murrayhillna.org. Retrieved 2022-11-30.
External links
- [1] at OnMilwaukee
- [2] at CinemaTreasures.org
Coordinates: 43°03′35″N 87°53′08″W / 43.059657°N 87.885664°W
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