First Congregational Church (Eugene, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bijou Theatre
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The Willcox Building (former First Congregational Church) in 2011
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 Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Location | 492 E. 13th Ave., Eugene, Oregon |
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| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Willcox, Walter R. B. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals, Mediterranean Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003333 |
| Added to NRHP | February 12, 1980 |
The First Congregational Church building in Eugene, Oregon, is a historic building. It was once a church and is now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important place worth protecting. The building was finished in 1925.
It is also known as the Old Congregational Church and, more recently, the Willcox Building. The building shows off two cool styles of architecture: Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals and Mediterranean Revival.
Contents
A Building's Journey: From Church to Theater
The building became a part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Before that, it had a few different uses. The church stopped using the building in 1956.
New Beginnings and New Names
After being a church, the building was sold in 1956. It then served as a special memorial chapel for many years, from 1956 to 1979. In 1979, it was sold again to a company called Associated Management, Inc. They started using it for other activities. The building was then renamed the Willcox Building. This new name honored the talented architect who designed it, Walter R. B. Willcox. He lived from 1869 to 1947.
The Bijou Art Cinema Era
Starting in 1980, the building became home to a movie theater. This theater was called the Bijou Art Cinema. It was a popular spot for watching movies for many years. However, the Bijou Art Cinema permanently closed its doors in 2021.
Why This Building is Special
The Willcox Building is very important because of its amazing design. Experts say it's one of the best buildings left that was designed by Walter R. B. Willcox. He was a famous architect and teacher in the Northwest region. This building is thought to be the only church he designed in Oregon. Its beautiful architecture makes it a significant landmark.
