Uptown Theater (Racine, Wisconsin) facts for kids
The Uptown Theater was a cool old movie theater built way back in 1928. It was designed by Wade B. Denham. You could find it in the Uptown area of Racine, Wisconsin.
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The Uptown Theater: A Look Inside
The Uptown Theater first opened its doors on May 2, 1928. Back then, it was called the Majestic Theater. It was a place for live shows, like plays and concerts. A businessman named Ernst Klinkert helped make it happen.
How the Theater Was Built
The theater had one big stage and could fit 1,292 people! It was built on a hill, which helped with its design. The building even had eight apartments. These were for actors to stay in while they were performing.
From Live Shows to Movies
The Majestic Theater closed in 1930. But it didn't stay closed for long! It was changed into a movie theater and opened again in 1940. This time, it was called the Uptown Theater. It closed again in 1953, then reopened in 1954. Finally, it closed for good at the end of 1959.
What Happened After the Theater Closed?
After the Uptown Theater stopped showing movies, its front area became a store. This store was called the Avenue Frame Shop. It sold picture frames and stayed open for many years. It has closed recently.
Saving Historic Buildings
In 1981, a group called Preservation Racine started working to save old buildings in the city. The Uptown Theater was one of the places they wanted to help. Because of their efforts, the theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This list helps protect important historical places.
Efforts to Reopen the Theater
A group called the Uptown Theater Group formed in 2001. They were a non-profit group, meaning they didn't try to make money. Their big idea was to fix up and reopen the theater.
Fun Fundraisers for the Theater
In October 2001, the Uptown Theater Group held a fun event. They turned the old, empty theater into a haunted house for Halloween! This event was a fundraising effort. It helped them collect money and get people excited about fixing up the theater.
The group planned another haunted house in 2002. But they couldn't get the city's permission. So, they rented a hall next to the theater instead. Some people at the party caused trouble, and the police came. After this, the plans to fix up the theater mostly stopped.
As of 2015, the Uptown Theater is still empty.
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