Exiting the Green Line at the intersection of Oakland Avenue and North Avenue, one can immediately recognize that from the various bars and restaurants that the area it a center of the night life in the area. While most buildings seem to blend together, one seems to stand out, with it's cream colored brick and large marquee in front seems to demand one's attention.
Constructed in 1927 to be the crown jewel of a chain of 45 individual theaters owned by the Sax Brothers. The architects Gustave Dick and Alex Bauer envisioned creating a movie place, with the motif "taken from the art studies found in Buddhist temples in East India.” in order to create a feeling of opulence and decadence. While the ownership has changed over the past nine decades, the Oriental is still thriving today. Even though there are several movie theaters throughout Milwaukee and several along the Green Line, what separates the Oriental from the rest is that, the Oriental is the only movie palace in Wisconsin that is still operation. Showing both main stream, independent and art films. If that wasn't enough, the theater is also the record h older nation's most midnight showings of the cult film classic "Rock Horror Picture Show". |
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The area of the lower east side commonly known as "North Ave." is one of the most popular areas for college students and young professionals to visit. With various, bars, restaurants and shops this area is a destination location within the city. Part of the success of this area can be attributed to the fact that some of the major streets of Milwaukee go through this area including, Oakland Avenue, North Avenue, Downer Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Drive , helps bring people to this area.
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Project 1
605 sectioin
The North and Oakland stop sits right next to the Oak Leaf Trail which runs north and south through Milwaukee. The trail provides a connection to wildlife, plants and the rest of Milwaukee. North Avenue runs east to west which creates a wind tunnel down the entire street; the stop also gets a full day of sun exposure throughout the year. With this you are exposed to and experience the full blast of nature’s elements, such as the frigid wind we felt while walking around. The Oriental Theatre is located in the heart of Milwaukee’s East side, which is considered to be a cultural and trend-setting center since the 1960’s. The Oriental is about one mile north of downtown Milwaukee, one mile south of the UWM campus, and about 5 block west of Lake Michigan. The college students, people running errands, business professional, cars and buses traversing the site create a lively atmosphere. Today it is known for its diversity of residency, bars, shops, art theaters, live music, and nightlife, such as Landmark Lanes, Colectivo Coffee, Von Trier Tavern, Blick Art Supplies, and Whole Foods. Designed by Milwaukee Architects Gustave Dick and Alex Bauer and built in 1927, the Oriental Theatre’s motif “is taken from the art studies found in Buddhist temples in East India.” It is Milwaukee’s only operating movie palace and was designed to make visitors feel like royalty. The theater was the crown jewel among the 45 theaters in the Saxe Brother’s chain and survived as a movie theater until 1972, when the Pritchett Brothers, local electrician purchased it. Four years later, they accepted the offer from Parallax Theaters, now Landmark Theaters, to run the theater. Landmark developed the program again to foreign and specialty films and in the 70’s and 80’s was also known for live performances. It is the U.S. record holder for midnight showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show since 1978 and is also one of the hosts for the Milwaukee Film Festival. In 1988, the Oriental added two theatres and a vending stand while still preserving the original artwork of the main auditorium. The theater has an ornate architectural style with two asymmetrical minaret towers and a brick facade with proportions and scale that is reflected in the neighboring buildings. The entrance leads to the ticketing booth and then into the concessions area with the auditorium to the right. The interior has a historical and majestic atmosphere created by arches, stained glass chandeliers, draperies, hand-drawn murals, six Buddha statues, eight porcelain lions, hundreds of elephants and dramatic lighting. |
602/603 section
Upon stepping from the green line bus to the sidewalk, two different impressions can be experienced depending on the direction the traveler came from. Coming from the north to the North Ave and Oakland bus stop, the bus shelter and “stop” location is on the West side of Oakland Ave. Coming from the south to the North Ave and Oakland bus stop, the bus will leave the passenger on the East side of Oakland Ave. As a visitor, the first impression upon exiting the bus will set an individual’s attitude and provide an immediate impression of the area. Getting off the bus on the West side leaves the visitor on the bridge above the bike trail, which faces a few run down commercial buildings. Getting off the bus on the East side of the street allows the visitor to immediately take in the smells of freshly baked donuts at Chubby’s, and looking across the street is the Milwaukee Library and new apartment complex. Further down North Ave on the East side it is easy to see glimpses of the lake and the hub of bars, banks, restaurants, and churches along the street. In our opinion, getting off the bus on the east side can be slightly more appealing. The church was one of the first buildings to stand out to us as we walked around the local blocks. It had character and stood out against the red color and modern style of the library which was built next to it. Walking further down the east side of North Ave we spotted the Oriental Theatre. The theatre particularly stands out because of the two minaret towers which rise higher than the building roof line of the block. In addition, there is a great color contrast between the dark red brick of the corner building and the light cream brick of the Oriental. Intersection at North Ave and the road the Oriental Theatre is on is rather large with pedestrian friendly crosswalks. The Theatre is snug between the corner bar and a string of small businesses along the other side. Walking up to the entrance of the building we were greeted with the Oriental Theatre sign which hung over our heads listing the films the theatre is currently playing. The sign is resting atop the overhang and contributes to the creation of a threshold between the street, and the adjoining side walk which is not included as the “entryway threshold.” But standing under the overhang you feel as you are already in part of the theatre and not still part of the surrounding street. We chose to study the Oriental Theatre because it has a prominent and beckoning impression on the surrounding blocks as you can see the towers from several blocks away, and within the street. The oriental style of the theatre is drastically different from the other buildings around it which also added to the mystery and contributed to the appeal to do some research on the building which has be standing since 1927. |
Project 2 |
For the 605 section no define text just detailed descriptions of each map
The Oriental Theatre is one of the few theatres to survive such an extensive period of time and remain functional as a movie palace throughout its lifespan. The Oriental withstood time so well due to its nature as a landmark. Typically movie palaces were neighborhood commodities, not necessarily visitor destinations, but its ornate decor set this theatre apart from the surrounding architecture and other local theatres significantly. In addition to its visual appeal, the Oriental has remained both a travel destination and a neighborhood commodity due to its marketing efforts. This theatre continues to accommodate to its audience through the focus on featuring independent and foreign films, thus tailoring to the educated audience of its neighborhood(including UWM) as well as its other visitors. Built in the 1927, in a wealthy neighborhood off of North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, the Oriental Theatre contributed to the peeking hype of movie theatres in the 1920s and appealed an audience of higher class individuals. To set the theatre apart, the architect designed the picture palace rather glamorously. Today, less than three blocks from the Milwaukee Transit green line stop at the corner of Oakland Avenue and North Avenue, its towers still stand above local buildings and is an easy destination to reach. A journalist from a 1920’s entertainment article describes the original movie going experience in general as an experience competitive in nature, as some movies theatres greeted the movie goer with “…ushers to lead them to their seats. The ushers would be all dressed up in uniforms. Some of these movie theaters were the size of cathedrals… Some of these movie theatres had had marble-lined halls” many even had nurseries so finding a sitter for a night out was not an issue. These theatres were not even limited to the picture show, they also had dance floors, restaurants, and art galleries.1 The many desirable features theatres of the 20’s were incorporating sketches the ideal setting which movie goers expected and what an exciting upbeat environment it was. Easily describable as a thriving social hub in the 20’s. Making the Oriental Theatre’s location off of North Avenue perfect, as the glamour of the theatre only adds to the attraction of the night life along the bar and restaurant strip. Originally designed by Gustave A. Dick(who also designed the Pabst Theatre) and Alex Bauer who incorporated the use of “2 minaret towers, 3 stained glass chandeliers, several hand drawn murals, 6 bigger-than-life Buddhas, dozens of original draperies, 8 porcelain lions, and hundreds of elephants.”2 This Milwaukee gem is one of the only theatres to feature East Indian art, excluding Chinese and Japanese work making it an appealing destination to experience. In addition to the visual awe the movie theatre displayed, sound plays an equally prevalent role in the development of the atmosphere. The organ, a very strong part of the Movie Mansion culture at the Oriental, evokes feeling and provides a tasteful flare of culture which no doubt helped this theatre to stand apart from others then and today continues to be a standout in the neighborhood as well as a destination location.2 Oriental |
Project 3I conducted my interview with Eric Levin, the current
manager of the Oriental Theatre. He was born in Chicago, but has lived in Milwaukee for the majority of his life. He has a passion for film and owned his own theaters such as the Avalon and Times Cinema for about 20 years before becoming the manager of the Oriental. When asked about the Oriental, Levin uses words such as “unique”, “elaborate”, “ornate”, “mind-blowing”, and “communal gathering place”. In the 1920’s, Oriental Theatres were very popular, but they died off as America went through The Great Depression. Theatres built after the Depression were scaled down and not as elaborate due to a lack of funding. Levin says “I think every big city can support 1-2 movie palaces “. They’re often turned into performing art centers and “that’s what makes the Oriental unique because it’s still a movie theatre”. He continued to say that people want the unique experience that the Oriental offers along with the interesting films shown and that’s what has kept it such a successful theatre throughout the years. The Oriental isn’t like your typical big chain movie theater. Levin says it “has a lot more personality and becomes more than just a movie theater”. With its personal customer service that is very passionate about film and art and by showing smaller production films, the Oriental caters to people who have a greater appreciation of film. All of this and the theater’s ornate and elaborate décor offer a “mind-blowing” experience and great atmosphere. The Oriental Theatre is the key venue for the Milwaukee Film Festival, which is something Levin doesn’t see changing due to the theatre’s great location and ability to accommodate the thousands of people that attend. Levin says during the festival, the theatre’s atmosphere becomes a high energy and fun experience with the different people attending such as film makers, directors, and some celebrities. He says the festival draws in lots of people both in and out of the community making it a great communal gathering place. Levin says there are many things that make the Oriental Theatre an important asset to Milwaukee. One of them being its great ability to be a communal gathering place for Milwaukee and an escape with its unique, elaborate setting. The Oriental offers something no other theater does in Milwaukee and it is important to have an alternative from the big chain movie theaters. The Milwaukeeist. A large group of artists that moved into the city in the late 90s that formed an art movement in the Milwaukee area that can still be seen today. Ray Chi, is one of the artists that was a part of this local art movement which consisted of artists, film makers, dancers, singers. Through which has led him to a lot of opportunities throughout Milwaukee, one such being the East Wing Milwaukee Library branch. Ray is a long- time resident, moving here in the late 90s and quickly becoming an active member of the community. It’s a beautiful city which allows you to easily afford your ownlifestyle whether it be an artist or a member of the community. It allows you to find more affordable living and work spaces compared to living in other cities. As well, the community is smaller making it easier to get to know everyone, it is homey and easy to become involved in the community. North Ave. was different when Ray first moved here, and it has been developing more recently. All the apartment and condo development along with all the retail and bars that have been popping up has changed the street into a much more active and vibrant community, as before it was more commercialized. With all the new developments, Milwaukee was looking for a local artist to build a sculpture along with the new east wing that would be on the exterior of the building engaging the public. It is a wellused library and well known, it has been around since the 60s, so there’s a huge responsibility with being chosen to design a public artwork to go along with it. We as designers change the landscape of communities and cities, for a while you live with it, you dwell it, love it, and for an intense period time are immersed into it, but the people in the neighborhood are the ones who have to live with it, see it every day. Cara Corder is 25 years old and was born in New Berlin, WI. Her mom of German and Irish descent is a benefit analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield and her Greek dad is a retired DE agent and police officer and a Vietnam War veteran. She’s lived in Wisconsin her whole life, having gone to Elm Grove Lutheran School from Kindergarten through eighth grade, New Berlin West High School and MIAD where she obtained a Bachelor in fine Arts. Cara currently lives on Park and Murray with her boyfriend Tim. Working part-time at Blick as an art supplies salesperson, she is a full-time artist and skateboard designer for her boyfriend’s company. She currently gets around by car or walking, but used to rely more on taking the bus. A typical daily schedule is waking up, walking to work at Blick down the street, stopping at Whole Foods for a bite to eat on her break and going out to have fun at places like Landmark Lanes. Around four PM stands out as a time of high activity in the neighborhood with people getting out of work and running errands. Because of the bars and restaurants on North Avenue she also sees a lot of activity and people out on nights and weekends. Some popular community events include the Milwaukee Film Festival and the Summer Solstice street festival with music and vendors. Cara describes the neighborhood as diverse with “a lot of everybody” and draws many people, making it fun to people watch. There are people ranging from homeless on the street and bus lines to the wealthy who visit from out of town. Because of the proximity to UWM, MIAD and MATC there are many college students as well. She sees a lot of college students come into Blick to buy art supplies as well as local artists, and aspiring artists. There are many advantages to living in the neighborhood, including the convenience of being able to walk almost anywhere, from the grocery store to the bank to the laundry mat. She feels comfortable and at home and enjoys seeing people she knows around the neighborhood which makes it feel like a smaller setting. Compared to the other neighborhoods she’s lived in, it is a pretty nice and safe place that is changing constantly. For example, one of her favorite sub places on Prospect has closed and there will be a new Subway opening next to Blick. If someone were to move to the neighborhood, Cara would advise people to get a bus pass for convenient transportation and to find a building with a parking garage if they had a car. She would also suggest going to Von Trier where she used to go to listen to jazz, Whole Foods where she finds the best Mac and Cheese, Blick for art supplies, Landmark to go bowling, Colectivo and Oriental for “awesome movies and a beautiful theater.” Having been to the Oriental theater to see a friend’s animation in the Milwaukee Film Festival, Cara describes the theater as beautiful and impressive that it’s a historical still in existence today. She remarks that “it’s refreshing to see a historic building in the midst of all of the newer buildings.” In summary, Cara’s jobs, interests and lifestyle integrate with the overall personality of the neighborhood. She is able to apply her artistic knowledge and background in her job at Blick and be involved with the community through the art she produces. Though just one person, Cara contributes to the larger cultural system of meanings by using and being involved in the community in the places she goes for both work and entertainment. North Avenue and its surrounding neighborhood is an exciting place to live, work and socialize. In contrast to the place it used to be when it was mainly residential and industrial and was less densely populated, the liveliness, diversity and social quality of the neighborhood seen today is a major change. It’s affordable and easier to find work compared to living in other cities and includes the convenience of being able to walk almost anywhere from the grocery store to the bank to the laundromat. Additionally, the neighborhood is homey and makes it easy to become involved in the community. The new apartment developments along with the retail and bars that have been emerging have changed the street scene into a much more active and vibrant community. The neighborhood has convenient transportation as well as many local attractions: Von Trier, Whole Foods, Blick, Landmark, Colectivo, and the Oriental. 4 PM stands out as a time of high activity in the neighborhood with people running errands and getting out of work. Because of the bars and restaurants on North Avenue and proximity to local colleges there is also a lot of people out at night and on the weekends. A lot of diversity can be seen due to the wide range of people passing through North Avenue on the Green Line and people coming to visit from different neighborhoods. Other theaters along the Green Line include iPic at Bayshore, Fox Bay, the UWM Cinema and the Avalon Theater which only cater to certain populations. The Oriental Theatre stands out from the others in that it’s the only oriental theater in Wisconsin and has become a historic landmark with a major impact on the character of the neighborhood. Being a citybased theater with a wide variety of films, it intends to draw people from a wide range of backgrounds including African American, Muslim, Asian and Hispanic neighborhoods. It’s a great communal place overall that interacts with the whole city through the Milwaukee film Festival, the Rocky Horror Picture show and specialty films. It offers an intimate setting that no other theater does and provides an escape from the city through its ornate décor and atmosphere, making it a unique and attractive place to visit. The theater has been able to stand the test of time by remaining in its original condition while its surroundings have changed dramatically over the years, making itself a part of the community’s historical foundation. Interests and lifestyle integrated with the overall personality that neighborhoods have changed the street scape of North Avenue. It’s a beautiful city that allows an affordable lifestyle whether it be an artist, student or working member of the community. We as designers change the landscape of communities and cities. For a while one lives in it, dwells on it, loves it, hates it and for a period of time is intensely immersed in it. |
Narrative
The Oriental Theatre is a landmark which people continue to buy into because it is an important asset to the historical and recreational aspect of the neighborhood. In our interview with Eric, the manager of the Oriental Theatre, he said his patrons range from students, to locals of the east side, to travelers who come from as far away as Japan to see the unique style of the theatre. The Oriental Theatre continues to be an anchor of the North Avenue neighborhood because it has been a long standing building within the block for nearly one hundred years. The theatre specifically affects the shaping of the local neighborhood by influencing which businesses come to the area and which of them thrive. Due to the theatre’s role as an addition to night life, nearby businesses, primarily bars and restaurants, have been successful in the area. Ma Fischer’s and the Landmark Bowling Alley have existed on the block as long as the Oriental Theatre has. Together, these businesses provide the core structure to the urban fabric and atmosphere of the North Avenue neighborhood. While it is an important facet to the strengths of the local neighborhood, the theatre also embodies the cultural aesthetics of East Indian style. Another unique aspect which makes the theatre a popular place to visit is its organ’s accompaniment. According to Eric, many people come to the theatre specifically on Saturdays just to be able to hear the organ introduce the featured film. While the Theatre does not have a permanent organist, the organist from Miller Park comes by monthly to please the eager crowds. The Oriental Theatre’s ornamentation further improves the building’s ability to stand out from its neighbors, also making it a landmark instead of just another building on the street. Summary The Oriental Theatre is one of the few theatres to survive such an extensive period of time and remain a functional movie palace throughout its entire lifespan. The Oriental withstood time due to its nature as a landmark and a prominent neighborhood asset. It is important to the history and recreation of the neighborhood because of its central location in a busy part of Milwaukee. Because of this, there are distinct human traces that have an effect on the building and its surroundings. From our observations of the theatre, one can see the vandalism and general wear from human interactions. Most of this activity is located in the front of the building or in the outer lobby where there is high pedestrian traffic. Along with this, there is also a lot automotive traffic between the Oriental and the Green Line bus stop on North Avenue. During the short trek from the bus stop, one can experience the noise, smells, sight, and activity that takes place. As shown in our taxonomy, people, entertainment, history, and the interactions between the three create a relationship that links The Oriental Theatre to the Green Line bus route. From these exchanges, we observed various noises, smells, and sights. From this we were able to map what the patrons of the bus stop, North Avenue, and The Oriental Theatre might perceive. The Oriental Theatre, as well as most of North Avenue, also has a strong representation of college students because it is accessible by public transit and directly south of the UWM campus. Furthermore, according to our demographic studies, the surrounding population is overwhelmingly comprised of young adults aged between 18 to 35. Because the area consists of a young population, a large presence of the general public, access to public transportation, a nearby college campus, and unique ornate décor, The Oriental Theatre succeeds in retaining its status as a landmark and community asset. |
Project 4
Similar to project 2 its minor writings about each aspect. not a fan of this but wonderful graphics.
Similar to the statement above it seems a the monograph was divided into multiple sections
Similar to the statement above it seems a the monograph was divided into multiple sections